House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., welcomed Wednesday a congressional probe into domestic violence accusations leveled at Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn.
“In August, when allegations surfaced against Congressman Ellison, he immediately called for an independent investigation,” Pelosi wrote in a statement released to reporters. “As that inquiry by an independent entity in Minnesota concludes, it is appropriate that the House Ethics Committee also conduct an expedited investigation of this matter, as Congressman Ellison has now requested.”
Ellison, who is simultaneously the Democratic National Committee’s vice chairman, has been accused by ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan, a Sierra Club organizer, of abusing her during their five-year relationship before it ended in 2016. Ellison has denied her claims.
In September, Monahan released medical records from 2017 detailing some of the alleged violence. She has additionally described one incident in which Ellison supposedly hurled obscenities at her and dragged her off a bed by her feet.
Ellison announced in June that he would not run for re-election to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, instead launching a bid to become the state’s next attorney general. His campaign, however, has been dogged by an ongoing probe into Monahan’s claims.
Pelosi added Wednesday it was important both Ellison and Monahan have an opportunity to explain themselves, and a congressional inquiry would give them a platform to do so.
“We must uphold the integrity of the House of Representatives and ensure a climate of dignity and respect, with zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, bullying or abuse,” she said.
Ellison told BuzzFeed News Wednesday he was personally requesting a House Ethics Committee investigation into the accusations to supplement inquiries conducted by the Minnesota Democratic Party and the DNC.
“I am taking this step now because I am innocent and eager to see this entire matter resolved,” Ellison said. “These allegations have lingered in the public sphere, and remain unsubstantiated. I welcome an investigation by the House to allow us to move on.”
