(WWJ) – Tensions within the Michigan Republican Party reportedly reached a boiling point Saturday night at a Mid-Michigan hotel.
As the GOP’s state committee met at the Doherty Hotel in Clare – just north of Mt. Pleasant – two Republicans allegedly got into a physical altercation that involved a kick in the groin, according to a report from The Detroit News.
Amidst unrest within the GOP in relation to the party’s direction under Chairwoman Kristina Karamo, some members of the party were “frustrated” that Saturday’s meeting began behind closed doors for only members of the committee, according to the report.
James Chapman, a Wayne County Republican, told The Detroit News he had gone all the way up to attend the meeting, but was forced to listen from outside the room. He told the publication he wiggled the door knob of the meeting room door.
That’s when Clare County Republican Party Chairman Mark DeYoung heard the noise, walked over to the door and saw someone “flip him off through a small window,” according to the report.
When he opened the door, DeYoung told the News Chapman “kicked me in my balls as soon as I opened the door.”
DeYoung alleges Chapman then ran at him and slammed him into a chair, according to the report. He told the paper he suffered a broken rib and landed in the emergency room. DeYoung denied claims from Chapman that he said “I’ll kick your a–” and swung at him.
Police were reportedly called to the scene, but authorities have not released any details.
On Monday The Detroit News reported Chapman was suspended from all party activities by the Wayne 6th Congressional District Republican Committee.
