Nashville lawmakers vote to reinstate Justin Jones, one of the Democrats ousted for protesting

By Rose Horowitch and Safia Samee Ali -

The Nashville, Tennessee, Metro Council voted Monday to reinstate Justin Jones to the state legislature after he was ousted last week by Republicans after protesting gun violence in the state House of Representatives.

Jones and fellow Democrat Justin J. Pearson, both black, were ousted Tuesday in a vote that drew national attention to racial dynamics in the state's top legislative body.

[Republicans in Tennessee vote to oust two Democratic lawmakers for protesting gun violence

Jones, Pearson and Gloria Johnson led their supporters to protest for gun control after the massacre at a private school in Nashville where six people were killed, including three 9-year-old boys.

All three broke House rules and used a megaphone when not allowed to speak.

Lawmakers in the Tennessee House House called the protest an "insurrection" and voted to oust them.

Johnson, who is white, was spared what she suggested her race played into the decision.

This is a developing story.

Please check back for updates.