Representative John Thompson has challenged the authenticity of the abuse allegations brought against him. Thompson has become the focal point in Minnesota news after it was discovered that he has never held a Minnesota driver’s license and that his Wisconsin license was suspended for failing to pay child support.
As was reported on the Star Tribune, “The five police reports from Superior, Wis., Eagan and St. Paul detail incidents from 2003 through 2011 in which Thompson allegedly hit or choked a woman or women. Several make reference to children being present.” The abuse allegations were brought to light in 2020. However, no actions were taken at that time. “Thompson pleaded guilty to lesser charges in all of the cases,” The Minnesota Sun reported.
After the allegations of abuse were more publicly discussed last week, members of the Minnesota GOP and DFL have called for Thompson’s resignation, including Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. According to The Sun, “It is unclear why no such request was made earlier, as Thompson’s pattern of alleged physical abuse has been public knowledge since he entered politics. Minnesota House Republicans say they will pursue an ethics complaint against Thompson Monday should he not vacate office.”
After Thompson claimed that the allegations were not authentic, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said that it would be “very unusual” for three different police departments to “fabricate” the information regarding the abuse allegations.
JUST IN: Gov. Tim Walz continues to call for resignation of Rep. John Thompson despite Thompson denying “authenticity” of police/court records about domestic abuse. “I think it would be very unusual for three different police departments…over a decade to fabricate information.” pic.twitter.com/UesytCtA55
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) July 19, 2021
Thompson denied the allegations, seeming to imply that he had been married to his wife when the incidents supposedly occurred and that she also denied the domestic violence claims. Thompson’s wife, My’Leetha Cleveann posted on Facebook and said, “WE ARE NOT RESIGNING.”
Mike Marti, a candidate for Minnesota governor, tweeted that in light of the Thompson allegations and the actions taken by Minnesota lawmakers, the same should be done with regards to Keith Ellison who also has been accused of domestic abuse.
Keith Ellison should resign.
His party leaders have stated that anyone with a credible domestic assault claim against them are not fit for office.
He has one.
The Attorney General is the top law official in the State.
This is unacceptable. We need to set a precedent here.
— Mike Marti (@MikeMartiForMN) July 19, 2021
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Hayley Tschetter is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun | Star News Network and The College Fix. She graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Send news tips to [email protected].
Photo “MN House Chamber” by Chris Gaukel
