NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee lawmakers on Tuesday abruptly ended a special session initially touted to improve public safety in the wake of a deadly elementary school shooting, but it quickly unraveled into chaos over the past week as the GOP-dominant Statehouse refused to take up gun control measures and instead spent most of the time ensnared in political infighting.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, center, pushes past Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, left, and Rep. Justin Jones, D- Nashville after a special session Tuesday of the state Legislature on public safety in Nashville, Tenn.
Johnny Ellis, left, argues over gun law reform Tuesday with Covenant School parent Mary Joyce outside the House chamber after a special session of the state Legislature on public safety adjourned in Nashville, Tenn.
Rep. Jason Powell, D-Nashville, left, and Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, hold signs on the House floor Tuesday after a special session on public safety adjourned in Nashville, Tenn.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, center, pushes past Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis, left, and Rep. Justin Jones, D- Nashville after a special session Tuesday of the state Legislature on public safety in Nashville, Tenn.
Johnny Ellis, left, argues over gun law reform Tuesday with Covenant School parent Mary Joyce outside the House chamber after a special session of the state Legislature on public safety adjourned in Nashville, Tenn.
Rep. Jason Powell, D-Nashville, left, and Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, hold signs on the House floor Tuesday after a special session on public safety adjourned in Nashville, Tenn.
