Mike Rogers Physically Restrained After Lunging at Gaetz Amid Tensions

Tensions reached a boiling point on the House floor late Friday night during the final vote for House Speaker, resulting in chaotic scenes as Rep. Mike Rogers had to be physically restrained after lunging at Matt Gaetz. The confrontation marked a culmination of frustration over Gaetz’s refusal to support Kevin McCarthy’s bid for Speaker.

As the House convened for its 14th vote around 10 PM, Rogers’s outburst occurred after McCarthy expressed confidence in securing enough votes. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when four Republicans voted for alternative candidates, and Gaetz, along with fellow “Never Kevin” member Lauren Boebert, voted present.

The confrontation escalated when McCarthy approached Gaetz and Boebert, visibly pleading with Gaetz to change his vote to support him, all captured live by C-SPAN cameras. The House fell silent as the GOP leader attempted to persuade Gaetz, who remained defiant.

In the midst of this tense standoff, Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina intervened, grabbing Rogers by the shoulders and pulling him away to prevent further escalation.

After a lengthy and tumultuous night, McCarthy finally took the gavel just after 1 AM ET on Saturday morning, proclaiming, “I hope one thing is clear. I never give up.”