Montana politics, elections and legislative news

State legislature will investigate abuse of power allegations against Montana’s attorney general

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Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen
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A special legislative counsel will investigate allegations that Attorney General Austin Knudsen abused his power to intervene on behalf of a patient at a hospital in Helena.

The Montana State News Bureau first reported that staff at St. Peter’s Health said they were threatened by three public officials, which included Knudsen, over the care of a COVID-19 patient.

Hospital staff declined the patient’s request to be treated with Ivermectin, which is not approved for use against COVID.

Knudsen dispatched a Montana Highway Patrol officer to the hospital and denied allegations that his actions were threatening.

Democratic legislative leaders called for an investigation into the matter, saying the attorney general abused his power.

Republican Senate President Mark Blasdel and Speaker of the House Wylie Galt released a statement saying the allegations are serious, and the Legislature’s special counsel will examine relevant public records to better understand what happened.

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Shaylee covers state government and politics for Montana Public Radio. Please share tips, questions and concerns at 406-539-1677 or shaylee.ragar@mso.umt.edu.