The Minneapolis Police Department cites a “conflict of interest–or the appearance of a conflict of interest” in denying a request by the state DFL party to investigate claims of domestic abuse made against Congressman Keith Ellison. The DFL made the request in the wake of a recently-released report–initiated by the party–from a hired law firm that concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated. The potential conflict of interest stems from Ellison’s son serving on the Minneapolis city council–which oversees the city attorney’s office. In August, Ellison’s ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan, accused him of dragging her off a bed by her feet and shouting obscenities in 2016. Ellison denies the allegation. Ellison is running for Minnesota Attorney General against Republican Doug Wardlow. The MPD says it is communicating with other law enforcement agencies and may refer the case elsewhere.