Sister of Vanessa Guillen to run against Rep. Al Green for seat in U.S. House after ‘disrespect’ during Trump’s address

Mayra Guillen, the sister of slain U.S. Army soldier Vanessa Guillen, announced plans to run against Rep. Al Green for his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in response to his interruptions of President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress last week.

Guillen announced her intentions on X last week.

“It’s time to end the propaganda displayed by these politicians, and time to help support [President Trump] and his amazing Admiration to Make America Great Again! Al Green I’m coming for your seat,” a portion of her post read.

Green’s decision to stand up and shout at the president led him to be removed from the address. Following his removal, he said that he interrupted to protest the administration’s policies regarding Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, programs that he says are a high priority to many of the citizens in his district.

The following day, he was censured by the House of Representatives.

• What happens when a member of Congress is censured? Texas Rep. Al Green joins list of censured lawmakers

Background

Mayra is the sister of Spec. Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old Army solider from Houston native who went missing from the Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) base in Killeen, Texas, in April of 2020. Over the coming weeks, the search for her would make national headlines.

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After her remains were discovered on June 30, her killer, 20-year-old Army spec. Aaron David Robinson, went on the run after learning that her remains had been discovered. When authorities apprehended him, he ended his own life. Robinson’s partner, Cecily Aguilar, who was an accessory to the murder, would be sentenced to 30 years behind bars for her involvement.

• Texas woman who helped hide US soldier Vanessa Guillén’s body sentenced to 30 years in prison

Guillen’s murder brought forward discussions over sexual harassment and the safety of women in military spaces.

WATCH: Vanessa Guillen’s sister speak on ending sexual violence in the military

In the years since the tragedy, Mayra Guillen has advocated for justice for her sister, efforts which have led to state and national legislation bearing her sister’s name that helps protect military members from sexual harassment and assault. Vanessa’s story has also been the subject of several documentaries, including Netflix’s I am Vanessa Guillen, released in Nov. 2022.