Disturbing reports of domestic violence from a government official were released early Wednesday morning that resulted in injuries for the victim and an arrest for the perpetrator in Mississippi.
The state House speaker says Rep. Doug McLeod should resign if the allegations are true. https://t.co/24CtdKUI8Z
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 22, 2019
Mississippi State Rep. Douglas McLeod was arrested after his wife called police last Tuesday night. Police say that McLeod was visibly intoxicated when they arrived and his wife’s nose was bleeding. The victim reported to police that her husband had punched her in the face when she failed to undress quickly enough after he demanded sex.
The Clarion-Ledger in Mississippi reports that:
‘The state Republican Party echoed Gunn’s sentiment, saying he should “resign immediately” if the allegations are true.
‘Gunn in a statement called the alleged actions of Rep. Doug McLeod, R-Lucedale, “unacceptable.”’
A police report says Republican state Rep. Doug McLeod of Lucedale, Miss., punched his wife in the face after she didn't undress quickly enough when the lawmaker wanted to have sex. #Mississippi #domesticviolence https://t.co/Dp6Ti96I8T pic.twitter.com/F65zvPeGG9
— Jackson Free Press (@JxnFreePress) May 21, 2019
Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn released a statement saying that, if McLeod is found guilty, he will demand his resignation. Other Mississippi lawmakers support his call and said that McLeod’s actions are “unacceptable.”
‘A George County Sheriff’s Department investigative report obtained by the Sun Herald says McLeod, 58, was visibly drunk when deputies arrived and had assaulted his wife.
‘George County Sheriff Keith Harvard told the paper the investigation is still open.
‘“I have attempted to contact Rep. McLeod to request his resignation, if in fact, these allegations are true,” Republican Gunn said in a statement. “These actions are unacceptable for anyone.”’
Deputies report Rep. Doug McLeod punched his wife and bloodied her nose https://t.co/xgGdRLxZeH
— WTTE FOX 28 (@fox28columbus) May 21, 2019
McLeod was released on bail as results of the investigation are still pending. McLeod’s wife will be taken to a physician by daughter so that evidence can be collected. In the meantime, his duties as a representative can and should be suspended.
‘MSGOP Chairman Lucien Smith in a statement Tuesday night said, “If the allegations against Rep. McLeod are true, he should resign immediately. Violence in any relationship is unacceptable, and I condemn this conduct in the strongest possible terms.”‘
George County deputies report state Rep. Doug McLeod punched his wife and bloodied her nose. When officers told McLeod a domestic assault had been reported, they say he replied, "Are you kidding me?"https://t.co/5c1pVOOzHa
— WWMT-TV (@wwmtnews) May 21, 2019
Featured image via Flickr by Brandon Anderson under a Creative Commons license