Things are getting rough out in Nevada. Democratic Assemblyman Steven Brooks was just arrested for “threats of physical violence” against Nevada Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, also a Democrat. Some reports even claim that a weapon was involved, or threatened to be used.
The arrest came on Saturday, January 19, after Brooks made verbal threats against Speaker Kirkpatrick. Early reports had Brooks actually brandishing a weapon but later reports claimed he had just threatened to get his gun that was in his car.
The North Las Vegas Police reports as follows:
North Las Vegas, NV – On January 19, 2013 at about 3:45 p.m. officers responded to a home in the northwestern part of North Las Vegas in reference to a report of threats to an elected public official. It was reported that Assemblyman Steven Brooks (40) of North Las Vegas made threats to harm a fellow State representative.
During the course of the preliminary investigation, Officers received corroborating witness statements supporting the victim’s report and began a search for Brooks. At about 5:30 p.m., Brooks was seen driving in the area of Carey Avenue and Mt. Hood Street, where he was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop. Brooks was transported to the Las Vegas City Jail and booked on one count of intimidating a public officer by threat of physical violence (NRS 199.300).
Consummate Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston informs his readers that Brooks has become increasingly agitated at Speaker Kirkpatrick and feels he has been slighted over committee assignments. Brooks apparently tried to organize a coup to have Kirkpatrick replaced as Speaker but couldn’t find enough Democrats and Republicans to join his efforts. As Ralston says, “indeed, most Republicans like Kirkpatrick.”
Kirkpatrick was only just elected Speaker for the 2013 legislative session that doesn’t start until February 4.
The Nevada Democrat caucus released a somewhat non-statement on the incident.
“It has been reported that yesterday afternoon Assemblyman Steven Brooks was arrested in North Las Vegas on the charge of intimidating a public officer with physical force.
Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Caucus Brendan Summers said this morning, “We understand an investigation is currently ongoing and we have no further comment at this time.”