Politics & Government

'Time For Another Kent State,' Ex-Michigan Politician Says

A one-time leader for the Republican party in Michigan said another, violent Kent State-like crackdown would prevent dangerous protests.

MARQUETTE, MI — A county leader for the Michigan Republican party has resigned after social media comments he made — calling for another "Kent State"-like crackdown on student protesters — created an uproar.

Dan Adamini, secretary of the Marquette County GOP, stepped down after he Tweeted: "Violent protesters who shut down free speech? Time for another Kent State perhaps. One bullet stops a lot of thuggery."

On Facebook, in a separate post, Adamini then added: "I'm thinking that another Kent State might be the only solution...They do it because they know there are no consequences yet."

Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Adamini resigned approximately one week after making his social media comments. He said he didn't want to be a distraction for his party.

Adamini was referencing protests that broke out at University of California, Berkeley after the school announced a senior editor for Breitbart would visit campus. He has since said he was trying to call for an end to violence by referencing the Kent State shootings.

Find out what's happening in Across Michiganfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On May 4, 1970, the National Guard fired into a group of student protesters at Kent State University. Four students were killed. Kent State officials called Adamini's comments, "Abhorrent," according to the Detroit Free Press.

Read more about Adamini's resignation at the Detroit Free Press' website.

Patch reporter Chris Mosby contributed to this report.

Photo from Google Earth

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.