GOP lawmaker jailed ‘on suspicion’ of false imprisonment and battery: report

A Republican state lawmaker from Arkansas was jailed Saturday “on suspicion” of false imprisonment, domestic battery and aggravated assault, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

Arkansas state GOP Rep. Austin McCollum was booked early Saturday morning at the Benton County Jail, and by Saturday evening, was facing a wave of calls from members of his own party to step down from his seat. McCollum is also a candidate for a county judge race, and faced calls to suspend his campaign as well.

“The allegations against Representative McCollum are appalling, and I’m praying for his wife and children,” said Arkansas GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, according to the Gazette. “I absolutely condemn violence of any form, and if these credible, sickening allegations are accurate, I call on him to immediately resign his office and drop out of the race for county judge.”

Law enforcement has yet to file official criminal charges against McCollum, who is being held with no bond as of Saturday pending a bond hearing, the Gazette reported.

“Domestic violence is a serious offense that shatters families, harms victims, and erodes the trust that public servants are expected to uphold,” said Arkansas GOP House Speaker Brian Evans, per the Gazette.

“Every allegation of abuse must be treated with the seriousness it deserves. I am praying for everyone affected by these events, especially the family involved, and that justice will be determined through the legal process.”