Michigan House Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Arrest at Pipeline Protest
William Lawrence, a progressive candidate challenging Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in a closely watched Michigan House race, is facing renewed scrutiny over a 2013 protest arrest. According to Fox News , documents…
William Lawrence, a progressive candidate challenging Republican Rep. Tom Barrett in a closely watched Michigan House race, is facing renewed scrutiny over a 2013 protest arrest.
According to Fox News, documents obtained by the outlet show Lawrence was among demonstrators arrested during a protest targeting Enbridge Line 5, a pipeline that runs through Michigan and carries crude oil and natural gas between Wisconsin and Ontario.
Lawrence and other protesters chained themselves to machinery as part of the demonstration.
Court documents show the group faced charges including trespassing and resisting or obstructing a police officer.
According to the records, Lawrence and three other protesters had to be cut away from the equipment before they were arrested without incident.
The arrest has drawn attention as Lawrence campaigns in a race that could have broader implications for control of the U.S. House.
He defeated establishment-backed candidates Matt Maasdam and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink in the Democratic primary.
Lawrence, a co-founder of the progressive Sunrise Movement, has also faced questions about past comments regarding policing.
In 2020, he posted "Defund the Police!" on X and later specifically called for defunding the Lansing Police Department.
Lawrence now says his position has changed.
"I don't support defunding the police," Lawrence told Fox News Digital, adding that he supports increased funding for youth programs, mental health resources and community violence intervention in cooperation with law enforcement.
His campaign also noted that his 2013 conviction was expunged under Michigan law.
Lawrence has previously addressed the pipeline protest himself. In an Instagram video earlier this year, he said he "took a stand" against Enbridge and acknowledged that the decision may not have been the wisest course of action.
"Was it righteous? Absolutely. Was it wise? Perhaps not," Lawrence said.
He also argued that the protest had little impact on the pipeline's operations, saying the equipment was operating again that afternoon while protesters faced legal consequences.
"I wouldn't advise you do what I did, but my conviction remains, and you can always count on me to fight for pure Michigan and our water," Lawrence said.
Lawrence received support from progressive organizations during his primary campaign but has since said he left the Democratic Socialists of America.
Republicans are using his past activism as part of their case against him.
National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Zach Bannon described Lawrence as a "radical far-left liberal" and criticized what he called Lawrence's "extreme climate agenda."
Lawrence is now set to face Barrett as both parties compete for a House majority in November.