Article Summary –
A conservative state lawmaker in Michigan, Neil Friske, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, assault, and a weapons offense. His arrest followed reports of a man with a gun and possible gunshots, which led to officers learning of a potential sexual assault. Friske, who faces reelection this year, has not yet been formally charged, and his campaign team has defended him, stating he was merely exercising his 2nd Amendment right.
Michigan Lawmaker Faces Sexual Assault Investigation
A sexual assault investigation is underway against Neil Friske, a conservative state representative in Michigan, following his arrest early Thursday in Lansing. The Lansing Police requested felony sexual assault charges, assault, and a weapons offense against the 62-year-old Republican, who also represents parts of northern Michigan and is seeking reelection.
Friske did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Formal charges had not been filed as of Friday afternoon. The office of Ingham County Prosecutor, John J. Dewane, reported an ongoing investigation into the incident involving reports of a man with a gun and potential shots fired.
During the initial investigation, officers discovered a possible sexual assault of an adult female leading to the arrest of Friske. Police took him into custody around 2:45 a.m. Thursday, near a condo he purchased in January.
Released on Friday, Friske’s campaign maintained his innocence in a statement and cast doubt on the timing of the arrest due to the forthcoming release of absentee ballots for Michigan’s Aug. 6 primary. The campaign also hinted at “deep-state ties” without explicitly mentioning his challenger.
Parker Fairbairn, Friske’s Republican primary challenger, stated that while Friske deserves “the presumption of innocence until proven guilty”, he criticized the assemblyman’s voting record. Neil Friske, a member of the Michigan House Freedom Caucus, has supported hard-line immigration policies and proposed legislation to restrict abortion access.
Democrat-led state legislature members demand accountability, with State Rep. Phil Skaggs stating that if the sexual assault allegations prove true, Friske should “resign from the Michigan House immediately”.
—
Read More Kitchen Table News
