A Democratic legislator in Michigan has been penalized after pulling a prank on a Republican colleague involving a parked car and a roll of plastic wrap.
State Representative Julie Brixie has temporarily lost her privilege to speak on the House floor and had her parking location reassigned following the incident, according to a Michigan House Republican official who spoke with NBC News.
The prank took place on April 17, when Republican Rep. Matt Maddock parked across two spaces in the Capitol parking garage—one of which reportedly belonged to Brixie. Security footage released by House Republicans shows Brixie wrapping the center section of Maddock’s black BMW in plastic wrap.
“My good colleague from the 51st district parked in two spots, including mine, to make sure no one hit his fancy car,” Brixie told The Detroit News. “I Saran Wrapped it to give it an extra layer of protection."
Shortly afterward, Brixie made a comment on the House floor that appeared aimed at drawing Maddock’s attention. “I just came in from the parking ramp and there’s a black BMW,” she said. “Your hood is open, your lights are on and your engine is running. Thank you.”
Maddock later addressed the situation on social media, stating, “Brixie keeps trying to get my attention and I keep telling her I’m married.”
As a result of the prank, Brixie is now barred from delivering formal remarks in the chamber and must use a more distant parking location. According to the GOP official, these restrictions are expected to remain in effect for the foreseeable future. Brixie and other House Democrats did not respond to media requests for comment.
When asked Tuesday whether the two lawmakers had spoken about the incident, Maddock replied via email, “She hasn’t apologized, but I wouldn’t expect her to since Democrats get to crime and never say sorry.”
“I can forgive her for pranking my car,” he added, “but she should really be sorry for her awful votes that have been ruining Michigan.”
Maddock’s wife, Meshawn Maddock, who he said owned the vehicle, also criticized Brixie on social media. “Rep Brixie makes a false statement otherwise known as a LIE in the presence of the entire Michigan House, after wrapping my car in plastic wrap like a 13 year old girl,” she posted on X. “Democrats aren't just soft on crime, like Brixie, they are crime.”
Meshawn Maddock, a former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, is currently facing charges in connection with the “fake electors” case related to the 2020 presidential election. She has pleaded not guilty and has described the charges as politically motivated, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
