Democrat lawmaker arrested hours after being elected over claims he trespassed into apartment where he menaced woman and her husband

Missouri State Representative Anthony Ealy Jr was arrested in Jefferson City hours after winning re-election, following reports that he trespassed at an apartment complex and threatened a couple. Police said witnesses described disturbances near businesses and outside a funeral service, and that Ealy appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. He faces charges of fourth-degree assault and disturbing the peace.

Ealy won 68 per cent of the vote in Jackson County’s District 36, having first been elected in 2022. A police report cited by Fox4 says he threatened a woman’s husband, referring to a gun and saying, “I’m going to kill you”; the allegations have not been tested in court. Ealy remains in custody, and Democratic leaders have no plans to restore his committee assignments for the 2027 session.