Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNewsPolitics

Investigation Launched Into Disturbance Involving Rep. Chuck Edwards

Police outside the Embassy Suites hotel in Asheville

News Summary

An investigation is underway following a disturbance involving U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards at a conference in Asheville. The Asheville Police are looking into the incident that occurred at the Embassy Suites hotel. Edwards stated he chose not to engage with an aggressive individual, leading to law enforcement’s presence. Despite the tension, no arrests or injuries have been reported. The incident adds to the community’s concerns regarding recovery post-Hurricane Helene, and feedback has been mixed regarding Edwards’ speech during the event.

Asheville – An investigation is underway into a disturbance involving U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Asheville on Saturday evening. Edwards, a 64-year-old Republican serving his second term in Congress, was present during the incident associated with a conference hosted by Rotary District 7670.

The Asheville Police Department confirmed their involvement, stating that they are actively investigating the disturbance report. To date, no arrests have been made, and there have been no injuries linked to the incident. The police spokesperson, Rick Rice, mentioned that additional details will be available after the weekend.

Edwards was scheduled to speak at the conference starting Friday, with his address anticipated around 6 p.m. on Saturday. Following the disturbance, he issued a written statement explaining that he chose not to engage with an intoxicated individual who was behaving aggressively. Edwards noted that the man’s actions escalated, leading him to contact the police himself. He characterized the situation as embarrassing for the other attendees and expressed that it was observed by law enforcement officials present at the scene.

According to Edwards, there was not “further action taken by police.” However, specific information regarding the disturbance could not be confirmed due to the ongoing investigation. The details surrounding the incident are still developing, with a full report expected from authorities on Monday.

The event was meant to emphasize community support from the Rotary Club, especially in light of the challenges faced by the local region following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane had a considerable impact on Edwards’ district, and recovery efforts are still in progress.

Feedback from conference attendees indicated some disappointment regarding the content of Edwards’ speech. One attendee expressed that the discussion strayed into political territory rather than focusing on local issues, further noting that several participants left the talk during Edwards’ points about tariffs. Additionally, a member of the Rotary Club later addressed the audience to apologize for the political nature of Edwards’ address.

Political experts have commented on the heightened atmosphere surrounding tariffs and Congress’s authority amid these recent events. Given the local community’s focus on recovery and rebuilding, many felt that dialogue should remain centered on local concerns.

The Asheville Police Department is continuing its investigation into the disturbance, but has not yet made public the incident report. Representative Edwards has declined to provide further conversations about the situation for the time being.

This developing story will be updated as more information emerges regarding the incident and its implications.