Rep. Ellison wants House to probe abuse claim against him

MINNEAPOLIS — Rep. Keith Ellison on Wednesday asked the House Ethics Committee to investigate his former girlfriend’s allegation that he physically abused her.

“I am taking this step now because I am innocent and eager to see this entire matter resolved,” Ellison, the Democratic candidate for Minnesota attorney general, said in a statement.

Ellison has repeatedly denied the abuse allegation by his former girlfriend, Karen Monahan. She first said in August that she was in an emotionally abusive relationship with the congressman, and during a fight in 2016 he screamed obscenities at her while trying to drag her off a bed by her legs and feet.

Ellison is also deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee.