Michigan’s COVID Lockdown Comes Back to Haunt Nessel – Video

Business owners recount chilling experiences during Michigan lockdown enforcement as Rep. Rigas leads investigation into alleged political targeting.

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Michigan COVID Lockdown Fallout Sparks Heated Oversight Hearing

The aftermath of Michigan’s COVID-19 lockdowns returned to the political stage as State Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Caledonia) chaired a hearing to review allegations of politically motivated prosecutions. The House Oversight Subcommittee on Weaponization of State Government heard testimony from two business owners—Marlena Hackney of Holland and Karl Manke of Owosso—who said they were unfairly targeted by Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.

Both Hackney and Manke operated during the pandemic in defiance of lockdown orders later ruled unconstitutional, and say they faced aggressive legal retaliation afterward.

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Hackney Testifies to Harsh Arrest and Ongoing Prosecution

Marlena Hackney, owner of Marlena’s Bistro & Pizzeria, shared her experience of being jailed, strip-searched, and heavily fined despite the lockdown order being nullified months earlier by the Michigan Supreme Court.

“When I went to jail, they took my phone and they did a cavity search,” Hackney testified. She described enduring cold jail conditions and inadequate treatment while in custody.

Internal emails presented during the hearing suggested that AG Nessel’s office sought Hackney’s arrest to prevent her from appearing on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” a move Hackney’s attorney called a clear sign of political motivation.

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Manke Details Fines Stemming from Television Appearance

Karl Manke, the well-known barber from Owosso, testified that he faced financial penalties for simply having a comb in his pocket during a TV interview. No health inspector visited his shop to issue a citation; instead, fines were levied based on televised footage.

Manke also recounted receiving additional fines related to Operation Haircut, a protest demonstration in 2020 where barbers gave public haircuts at the State Capitol. He testified that charges stemming from the event were issued nearly a year later, raising questions about selective enforcement.

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Subcommittee Chair: Testimonies Show Clear Political Targeting

Rep. Rigas, who leads the Weaponization Subcommittee, said the testimonies demonstrated a disturbing trend within Michigan’s top law enforcement office during the pandemic.

“These business owners were just ordinary people trying to provide for their families,” Rigas said. “The government was weaponized against them because they decided to speak out.”

Rigas promised the investigation will continue, pledging to uncover more about how state resources may have been used to retaliate against dissent.

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Political Fallout Continues as AG Nessel Faces Renewed Scrutiny

While Attorney General Nessel’s office has previously defended its pandemic enforcement as necessary for public safety, critics argue the latest testimonies reveal a pattern of politically motivated action rather than impartial law enforcement.

The debate taps into broader national concerns about executive power during emergencies and the long-term impacts of pandemic-era policies on civil liberties.

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