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Police: 'Inconsistencies' In Rep. Hackbarth's Story

By Pat Kessler, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- St. Paul police have turned over the case of an armed Minnesota State legislator to the city attorney's office.

They're skeptical about the story they got from Republican Rep. Tom Hackbarth the night he was detained with a gun after parking at a Planned Parenthood clinic.

St. Paul Police said there are inconsistencies in the story they got from Hackbarth two weeks ago after he parked in the clinic parking lot wearing a fully-armed pistol.

Security tapes show Hackbarth getting out of his truck with the gun clearly visible.

He told police he was jealous and looking for his online girlfriend that he was dating.

Democrats are calling on Republican leaders to reveal what really happened and the new House Speaker says there is an internal investigation underway.

"They need to immediately explain all the circumstances and answer all the questions that are pending right now on this issue. The story that's emerging is troubling and its disturbing," said DFL House Minority leader Paul Thissen.

"I think he is taking stock in where he is and some of the things that have occurred. We'll do anything we can to support him," said Republican House Speaker Kurt Zellers.

Zellers said Hackbarth voluntarily resigned from his post as the chairman of the powerful Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Committeee and that an internal investigation is underway.

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