Police Begin Investigations Into Michigan Protest Incidents [View all]

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

EVAN MCMORRIS-SANTORO DECEMBER 17, 2012, 11:35 AM

Michigan State Police now have opened investigations related to the two highest-profile incidents to emerge from last week’s right-to-work protests at the capital complex in Lansing. A state police spokesperson confirmed to TPM Friday that investigations are looking into the collapse of a conservative group’s tent during the protests last Tuesday as well as the punching of a Fox News personality caught on camera.

Labor groups, which brought more than 10,000 protesters to Lansing to protest right-to-work legislation that sailed through the Republican-controlled state legislature last week, have distanced themselves from both incidents. Conservative groups say the collapse of the Americans For Prosperity tent and the punching of Fox News contributor Steven Crowder — both of which created a viral video sensation in the days following the protests — are prime examples of union thuggery.

State police spokesperson Shanon Banner confirmed to TPM that AFP activists and Crowder have officially reported the incidents to the police, kicking off investigations.

Crowder, who initially drew criticism from the state police when he declined to press charges for days after he was punched on camera, asked police Friday to look into the incident.

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Read more: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/12/police-steven-crowder-afp-tent.php?ref=fpnewsfeed