Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ron Clous will not face criminal charges for displaying a rifle during a virtual public meeting in January.
Clous got the gun and held it on screen in response to a comment from resident Patricia Macintosh. She asked commissioners to denounce the Proud Boys, after members of the group were allowed to voice support for a 2nd Amendment resolution during an earlier meeting.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesel released a statement Friday saying after reviewing the incident, she decided Commissioner Clous didn’t break any laws.
“I find Commissioner Clous’ action to be reprehensible and irresponsible, but not illegal,” she wrote. “While he will not face accountability in a court room, Commissioner Clous’ constituents have the power to make their opinions clear the next time he’s up for re-election.”
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.