Ivy Liu, a 66-year-old from Colorado Springs and former school board member for Colorado's District 49, found herself in hot water when she was arrested after the Colorado Springs Police Department received a trespassing complaint at her residence. Liu told officers that her tenant was inside, intoxicated, and refusing to leave. When questioned about possessing a gun, Liu admitted to having a 9 mm Sig Sauer P365, safely stored in her purse, with a live hollow point round in the chamber.
The tenant, identified as Andrew, contested Liu's version of events, stating that he had been renting a room from her and had paid rent through September 30. Although there was a dispute regarding an outstanding $100, Andrew explained that he had returned to collect his belongings after deciding to move out. He entered the home through the back door when he found the front door locked.
While he was packing, Andrew heard Liu enter through the front door and began calling his name. As he stood at the top of the stairs, he claimed that Liu was pointing a loaded handgun at him, causing him to fear for his life. Liu allegedly prevented him from completing his packing and stated that she was waiting for the police to arrive.
Liu explained that she had given Andrew rent breaks due to his young age and suspected gambling issues that hindered his ability to pay rent in full. According to their agreement, he was supposed to move out on September 30, but he arrived earlier than planned, unbeknownst to Liu, who only became aware of his presence through a home surveillance camera notification.
Andrew reported to the police that Liu had waved the gun at him and refused to let him leave with his belongings. In a recorded phone call to the police, Andrew described how his landlord had come in holding a gun, preventing him from exiting through the front door.
The situation escalated when Andrew mentioned that Liu had placed the gun back in her purse. However, investigators determined that he didn't possess the video evidence he claimed to have.
While Liu expressed her desire for Andrew to leave, she hadn't initiated the formal eviction process. The police advised her that to have him permanently vacate, she would need to initiate eviction proceedings.
Liu faces charges of felony menacing, as well as two misdemeanor counts: second-degree criminal tampering and false imprisonment. She has not commented on the matter at this time.
Liu's involvement on the District 49 school board appeared to end after she quoted Adolf Hitler on her personal Facebook page in November 2022. She commented on the importance of parental involvement and opposition to Critical Race Theory (CRT) concepts in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. Liu clarified that her intent was not to promote Hitler but to express concerns about certain SEL programs. She faced accusations of attacking teachers and principals for her stance.
In September, Liu's eligibility to run for another board position outside of District 49 was impacted by redistricting, and she lacked sufficient signatures to get on the ballot for the different district, ultimately ending her campaign.
In another development in Alabama, a plea deal has spared a mother from jail time after being charged with manslaughter and aggravated child abuse following the tragic death of her 8-year-old son with cerebral palsy, who died from starvation. See detailed story here
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