US Senator Tim Sheehy, a Republican from Montana and a former Navy SEAL, accidentally broke the hand of Brian McGuinness, a former Marine and anti-war protester, during a tense encounter at the US Capitol, according to video footage and police statements.

The Viral Incident

The incident occurred during a protest against US military action in Iran, where McGuinness, wearing his military uniform, was removed from a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing by Capitol police. According to the video, Sheehy, who is also a former military officer, assisted officers in removing McGuinness, during which McGuinness’s hand was broken.

The video, which went viral, shows McGuinness shouting, “No one wants to fight for Israel!” as officers pulled him away. The footage also captures onlookers reacting in shock, with one person yelling, “His hand! His hand!” and another exclaiming, “Oh my God.” Officers can be heard urging McGuinness to let go of the door and his hand.

Sheehy, who is a Republican senator, later commented on the incident on X, stating that Capitol Police were removing an “unhinged protestor” from the hearing. He said, “He was fighting back. I decided to help out and de-escalate the situation.” He added, “This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence.”

Background on Brian McGuinness

Brian McGuinness, who served in the US Marine Corps from 2000 to 2004, is a Green Party candidate running for the North Carolina Senate seat in the 2026 general election. He graduated from Quincy Senior High School and later earned a degree from John Wood Community College in 2006.

McGuinness was arrested by Capitol Police and faces three counts of assaulting a police officer, three counts of resisting arrest, and unlawful demonstration, according to a statement from the Capitol Police. The police described McGuinness as an “unruly man who started to illegally protest during a hearing” and said his actions put everyone in the room in a “dangerous position.”

Capitol Police Statement

Capitol Police confirmed that McGuinness was removed from the hearing after violently resisting officers’ attempts to eject him. The police emphasized that the incident occurred during an “illegal protest” and that McGuinness’s actions were “violent and dangerous.”

Sheehy shared the video on social media, which was originally posted by Alan He, a CBS News reporter covering Capitol affairs. The video shows Sheehy and Capitol officers physically removing McGuinness from the hearing room. McGuinness was still in his military uniform at the time of the incident.

McGuinness’s hand was reportedly broken during the removal, and the incident has sparked debate about the handling of protests within the Capitol. Some have questioned the proportionality of the force used, while others have defended the actions of the officers and Sheehy, who is also a military veteran.

Sheehy’s involvement in the incident has drawn attention given his own military background. As a former Navy SEAL, his actions have been scrutinized in light of his service history and his role in the Senate.

The incident comes amid broader discussions about the role of protests in the US Capitol, particularly in relation to military policy and international conflicts. With the 2026 general election approaching, McGuinness’s campaign may use the incident as part of his platform.

Capitol Police have not yet commented further on the incident beyond their initial statement, and McGuinness’s legal case is expected to be resolved in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate online, fueling discussions about protest rights and the conduct of officials in the Capitol.