LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Attorney General's office is considering whether charges should be filed against a county commissioner who displayed a rifle during a livestreamed public meeting, a spokesman said Friday.
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The move was prompted by a request from the Grand Traverse County prosecutor's office following a state police investigation of commissioner Ron Clous' act, said Ryan Jarvi, spokesman for Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Clous and other county board members were meeting remotely because of the pandemic Jan. 20. During a telephone public comment period, local resident Keli MacIntosh criticized the chairman for allowing members of the far-right Proud Boys group to speak last year in favor of declaring the county a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”
As the caller spoke, Clous retrieved a rifle and held it in view of the camera before setting it aside.
The gesture drew a local backlash and international headlines. MacIntosh filed a report with the state police.
County board Chairman Rob Hentschel told the Traverse City Record-Eagle the state police had contacted him and other commissioners about the matter.
“It is my understanding that any time a county commissioner is involved, the case would be sent to the state police, rather than local law enforcement,” Hentschel said.
The Associated Press left phone and email messages with Clous seeking comment.
Jarvi declined to say what charges were being considered.
