Latest news with #PatriciaMacIntosh
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Lawsuit settled after Michigan county commissioner flashes gun during Zoom meeting
A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. Patricia MacIntosh accused Ron Clous of trying to silence her right to free speech when he displayed the rifle during a 2021 meeting of Grand Traverse County commissioners. The county last week approved a $100,000 deal with MacIntosh, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. Insurance will cover it. Clous, who is no longer a commissioner, also apologized. "While not my intent, I understand that my actions in getting my rifle could reasonably have caused you to feel uncomfortable or intimidated, and for that, I apologize," Clous wrote. The incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when the county board held public meetings over video conference. During the public comment period, MacIntosh had urged commissioners to make a statement opposing anti-government extremists, a few weeks after the U.S. Capitol riot. That's when Clous, a commissioner who was participating from home, left the screen and returned with a rifle. After paying legal fees, MacIntosh said she might create a scholarship fund with the balance of the money. She said she would not have sued if Clous had said, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how stupid this was."
Toronto Star
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting is settled for $100,000
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. Patricia MacIntosh accused Ron Clous of trying to silence her right to free speech when he displayed the rifle during a 2021 meeting of Grand Traverse County commissioners.
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting is settled for $100,000
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. Patricia MacIntosh accused Ron Clous of trying to silence her right to free speech when he displayed the rifle during a 2021 meeting of Grand Traverse County commissioners. The county last week approved a $100,000 deal with MacIntosh, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. Insurance will cover it. Clous, who is no longer a commissioner, also apologized. 'While not my intent, I understand that my actions in getting my rifle could reasonably have caused you to feel uncomfortable or intimidated, and for that, I apologize,' Clous wrote. The incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when the county board held public meetings over video conference. During the public comment period, MacIntosh had urged commissioners to make a statement opposing anti-government extremists, a few weeks after the U.S. Capitol riot. That's when Clous, a commissioner who was participating from home, left the screen and returned with a rifle. After paying legal fees, MacIntosh said she might create a scholarship fund with the balance of the money. She said she would not have sued if Clous had said, 'I'm sorry. I didn't realize how stupid this was.'
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Pandemic-era lawsuit over gun at Michigan Zoom meeting is settled for $100,000
A Michigan county has settled a lawsuit over an elected official who flashed a rifle during a COVID-19-era public meeting on Zoom. Patricia MacIntosh accused Ron Clous of trying to silence her right to free speech when he displayed the rifle during a 2021 meeting of Grand Traverse County commissioners. The county last week approved a $100,000 deal with MacIntosh, the Traverse City Record-Eagle reported. Insurance will cover it. Clous, who is no longer a commissioner, also apologized. 'While not my intent, I understand that my actions in getting my rifle could reasonably have caused you to feel uncomfortable or intimidated, and for that, I apologize,' Clous wrote. The incident occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when the county board held public meetings over video conference. During the public comment period, MacIntosh had urged commissioners to make a statement opposing anti-government extremists, a few weeks after the U.S. Capitol riot. That's when Clous, a commissioner who was participating from home, left the screen and returned with a rifle. After paying legal fees, MacIntosh said she might create a scholarship fund with the balance of the money. She said she would not have sued if Clous had said, 'I'm sorry. I didn't realize how stupid this was."
