Former state representative Lon Burnam, who served Tarrant County for 18 years, filed a petition on Sept. 9 seeking the removal of Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare. Burnam alleges that O’Hare used his official authority to expel him and other speakers from a commissioners court meeting on Aug. 4, constituting official misconduct under the Texas Constitution.
Petition details and legal basis
The Texas Constitution allows a district judge to remove a county officer for “incompetency, official misconduct, habitual drunkenness, or other causes defined by law” after a jury finds the allegations true. Local government code defines official misconduct as “intentional, unlawful behavior relating to official duties.” Burnam’s petition claims O’Hare intentionally used his authority to ban Burnam from future meetings for 180 days after Burnam criticized the judge’s handling of a prior speaker’s request for a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
Events at the Aug. 4 commissioners court meeting
During the Aug. 4 meeting, Burnam objected to O’Hare’s refusal to allow a previous speaker to use the microphone as a reasonable accommodation. When Burnam picked up the microphone, O’Hare ordered him to put it down and then instructed sheriff deputies to remove him. Burnam lay on the floor before deputies carried him out. The judge also ordered the removal of podcast host EJ Carrion after Carrion used profanity, and later asked all attendees to leave when some laughed after being told not to.
Criminal charges against Burnam
District Attorney Phil Sorrells charged Burnam with two misdemeanors: hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct (Class A) and disrupting a meeting or procession (Class B). The charges carry potential jail time and fines. Burnam’s attorney, Tiffany Burks—who is also a candidate for Tarrant County district attorney—has filed a motion to quash the criminal evidence, calling the filing “sloppy” and citing errors such as incorrect dates.
Responses from officials
DA Sorrells said his office will address the legal arguments in court, not through the media, and affirmed the duty to enforce the law fully. O’Hare’s chief of staff, Ruth Ray, described Burnam’s attendance as a planned disruption and called the removal petition “a sad political stunt” that will not succeed.
Political context
The petition comes two months before the November election, in which Judge O’Hare is seeking a second term. Burnam, a Democrat, supports O’Hare’s opponent, Commissioner Alisa Simmons, and frequently speaks at commissioners court meetings. Burnan’s effort highlights ongoing tension over free speech and public‑meeting decorum in Tarrant County.
Next steps
The petition will be presented to a jury, which must determine whether O’Hare’s actions meet the legal definition of official misconduct. Burnam’s criminal case awaits a hearing on the motion to quash; if granted, the misdemeanor charges could be dismissed.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
