Michigan state Rep. Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix) was arrested early Thursday morning in Lansing.
Lansing Police Department spokesperson Jordan Gulkis told Bridge that Friske is being held in the city jail.
Police did not provide any details about the arrest.
Friske is a member of the state’s House Freedom Caucus, Bridge stated.
“State Rep. Neil Friske was arrested early Thursday morning in Lansing on undisclosed charges.”
Friske is among the most conservative members of the state Legislature.
Story by @DNBethLeBlanc. https://t.co/othmmfGnW8
— Craig Mauger (@CraigDMauger) June 20, 2024
“This morning, it was brought to our attention that Representative Friske was arrested and being held. As many of us know, Rep Friske is always exercising his 2nd Amendment right. We do not have any details, besides what has the media sourced, oddly before anyone of us knew anything,” Friske’s campaign said in a statement on Facebook.
“It is highly suspect considering the timing of this situation: -Right before absentee ballots are released. -Day after an unknown phone number conducted polling on the 107 race between Rep. Friske and our opponent with deep-state ties,” it continued.
“We ask everyone for prayers and to stay tuned from updates directly from this campaign or Representative Friske himself. Thank you for the outpouring of concern and unwavering support we have received this morning. Clearly, Rep. Friske is over the target in this race,” the statement added.
Bridge reports:
Friske was was arrested on the 2000 block of Windbreak Lane in Lansing before 3:00 a.m., police said. It’s the same block where he owns a home, according to property records.
Friske is one of the most conservative members of the legislature. He belongs to the chamber’s Freedom Caucus, which is notable for voting against nearly every piece of legislation that comes before them in the Democratic-led Legislature.
“Friske is expected to be arraigned Friday or Saturday if charges are authorized,” The Detroit News noted.
State lawmaker Neil Friske, who is a Republican that represents Charlevoix and Emmet counties in northern Michigan, was taken into custody by Lansing Police. https://t.co/QreyK41qp7
— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) June 20, 2024
From The Detroit News:
Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane on Thursday morning said he had not yet received a warrant request from Lansing police but expected one was coming.
Officials at the Ingham County jail said Friske is currently being held at the Lansing police department lockup.
On the House floor Thursday morning, Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, told reporters he had just been informed of Friske’s arrest, but had no immediate comment until more details are released by Lansing police.