Missouri State Representative Anthony Ealy, a Democrat from Grandview in the 36th House District, was arrested Wednesday, November 4, 2026, on fourth-degree assault and peace disturbance charges, less than 24 hours after winning reelection with 68% of the vote.
Jefferson City police responded around 11:30 a.m. to the 600 block of East Capitol Avenue after reports of a disturbance. Witnesses said Ealy, 32, was outside a business yelling and making threats while a family was making arrangements for a deceased relative. According to the probable cause statement, Ealy threatened to kill someone, referenced having a firearm, lunged toward a victim, and repeatedly said, “I’m gonna kill you. Call the police. I’m gonna kill you.” Another person corroborated the account. One report described the initial call as involving a possible panic attack or mental health crisis.
Police located Ealy at his nearby Capitol Avenue residence and took him into custody. He was booked into the Cole County Jail and held without bond. On Thursday, Cole County Prosecutor Locke Thompson confirmed charges of class C misdemeanor fourth-degree assault and class B misdemeanor peace disturbance. Ealy allegedly denied making threats or claiming he had a gun. The assault charge carries a maximum of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine; peace disturbance carries up to six months and a $1,000 fine. He was expected to appear before a judge Friday.
Ealy first won election in 2022, becoming the first Black representative from Grandview and the youngest for the district. He is a licensed attorney and managing partner of Ealy Law, Notary & Consulting LLC. He grew up in Grandview, earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University, and a law degree from the University of Missouri. He has also been described as a deacon in training at Second Missionary Baptist Church.
House Democratic leadership said Ealy was removed from all committee assignments in the spring so he could address personal issues, with no plans to restore them for the upcoming session. Marc Powers, chief of staff for the House Minority Leader’s office, said leadership was aware of the arrest but lacked full details. Reporting also indicated that Democratic leadership had previously asked Ealy not to seek reelection; he ran anyway and defeated Republican Dave Thomas with 68% of the vote.
An anonymous victim told ABC17 News that Ealy’s behavior was not that of a state representative and recounted previous recent incidents of yelling and erratic behavior. The victim urged him to step down.
Ealy has not publicly commented. Attempts to reach him went to voicemail. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
