Missouri Democrats slam GOP lawmakers, aide involved in fights
The Missouri Democratic Party criticized Republicans after two GOP lawmakers and Senate staff member were involved in two different fights in Jefferson City.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Tuesday that police arrested Jared Brown last Thursday after a fight at Spectator’s Bar and Grill. Authorities claim Brown dropped a loaded gun at the bar during a fight at the bar, according to the report. Brown is the chief of staff to Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla. Jared Brown was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon and use a weapon while intoxicated, according to the report.
Jared Brown will take a leave of abscene because of the events, Sen. Brown said.
“I’m focused on representing the folks that I was sent here to represent,” Sen. Brown wrote in an email. “Jared is taking a leave of absence and getting the help he needs.”
The Post-Dispatch also reports that Reps. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, and Bruce DeGroot, R-Chesterfield, got into an altercation that same night at the Eagles Club. The two told the paper that their scuffle was an “accident.”
Laura Gepford, executive director of the state Democratic Party, called the two incidents “embarrassing” and “alarming.” She pointed out that lawmakers had just held a hearing that day on a bill that would have allowed people to bring guns into numerous different establishments.
“Missourians should be concerned that the legislators responsible for drafting this bad policy are engaging in such irresponsible actions,” Gepford said.
ABC 17 News has reached out to Schroer and DeGroot for comment on the situation and has submitted a Sunshine request with Jefferson City for the incidents.
