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Grand Traverse County Commissioner will not face criminal charges after displaying rifle in meeting

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Grand Traverse County

A Grand Traverse County Commissioner will not face charges for holding a rifle during a virtual public meeting in January.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made the announcement Friday, June 18.

The incident occurred when Grand Traverse County resident Patricia Macintosh asked commissioners to denounce the Proud Boys, a far-right political organization.

This came after members of the group were allowed to voice support for a 2nd Amendment resolution during an earlier meeting.

In response to Macintosh’s comment, Commissioner Ron Clous got a rifle and held it on screen.   

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesel released a statement Friday saying after reviewing the incident, she decided Commissioner Clous' actions were reprehensible and irresponsible, but didn’t break any laws.

Clous and Grand Traverse County still face a lawsuit filed in Federal Court by Macintosh. She claims the rifle incident amounted to retaliation, and violates her First Amendment rights.

Commissioner Clous did not return a request for comment.

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