In a courtroom decision on Friday, a Georgia judge declined to issue an arrest warrant requested by State Sen. Colton Moore against Keith Williams, a staff attorney in the House speakerโs office, following a confrontation in January. The incident unfolded outside the House chamber when Moore and Williams became involved in a physical altercation. At the rulingโs conclusion, Fulton County Magistrate Judge Robert Wolf determined that there wasnโt adequate evidence to justify probable cause for criminal charges.
Phil Holloway, defending Williams, welcomed the judgeโs determination, stating that the Capitol incident, though unfortunate, did not equate to a criminal act. Catherine Bernard, representing Moore, argued that probable cause was evident and announced plans to appeal to the Fulton County Superior Court. Moore expressed disappointment, questioning where justice could be found after leaving the courtroom.
Moore, a conservative member of the state Senate, faced arrest on January 16 after attempting to pass House staffers who barred his entry to the state House chamber during the Governorโs address. His blockade arose from a ban imposed by House Speaker Jon Burns following Mooreโs criticism of late House Speaker David Ralston during a tribute.
Prior to trying to access the House chamber, Moore contended that the law did not permit Burns to prevent his attendance at the joint session. As Moore attempted access, Williams engaged physically, resulting in Moore falling. State troopers subsequently detained Moore on charges of obstructing law enforcement officers.
In the aftermath, Speaker Burns rescinded the chamber ban on Moore, as he found backing from fellow Senate and Republican officials. During the legal proceedings, testimony was delivered by three Capitol police officers, Moore, and his fiancรฉe, while Williams abstained from testifying. The presiding judge dismissed subpoenas for House Speaker Burns and other legislative leaders.
Video footage of the January encounter was submitted as evidence. Mooreโs attorney showed imagery of his bruised hand post-incident. Moore stood by his statement that attending the joint session was within his constitutional duty, emphasizing his attempts to enter peacefully.
Andrew Fleischman, defending Williams, suggested Moore sought to bypass the chamber ban imposed by Speaker Burns. Maj. Gary Langford of the Capitol police described Moore as utilizing his size to persistently press against the blockade, noting some physical pushback during the altercation.
Judge Wolf further questioned Langford on whether charges would have been filed against Williams had he witnessed a crime. The officer negated pursuing such a warrant. Mooreโs attorney proposed possible charges including battery and disruption of legislative proceedings.
Ultimately, the judge remarked that the existing chamber ban did not justify the actions of those involved in the confrontation, acknowledging that there appeared to be mutual aggression.