Thompson could also be subject to punishment if lawmakers move forward with sanctions or ethics complaints.
Author: Danny Spewak
Updated: 10:41 PM CDT July 21, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS — After a jury found him guilty on Wednesday of misdemeanor obstruction, DFL State Representative John Thompson walked through the revolving doors of the Hennepin County Government Center and addressed the media on-camera for the first time in about two weeks.
"I'm not a criminal. I've never been a criminal," Thompson told the press corps. "Sometimes, fighting for justice has legal ramifications, and here we go."
But Thompson's conviction in the 2019 obstruction case involving police at North Memorial Hospital - which carries a small fine and probation - is not the primary reason why leaders of both parties have demanded his resignation from public office. Gov. Tim Walz, along with DFL and Republican legislative leaders, have all said Thompson must step down after police reports were uncovered showing a series of domestic assault allegations against him dating back to 2003. Multiple incidents, according to the reports, happened in front of children.