Arrest Made After Threatening Texts Reference Violence at Minnesota State Capitol

(KNSI) – Following recent acts of political violence targeting Minnesota lawmakers, a person was arrested Wednesday evening after sending threatening text messages that included references to violence at the State Capitol, according to law enforcement officials.

Rep. Jim Nash reported the threatening communication to authorities after a constituent received the disturbing text message. The Republican from Waconia immediately contacted the House Sergeant at Arms, the Minnesota State Patrol, and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office about the incident. “The threat was not aimed at any particular lawmaker but the message did include a threat of violence at the Capitol,” according to a statement from Nash’s office.

Law enforcement agencies responded quickly to the report, questioning and arresting the individual responsible for the threatening message. The suspect is currently being held pending a court appearance. The House Sergeant at Arms office confirmed that they are not aware of any ongoing threats to legislative staff or members following the arrest.

Last Saturday, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed, and a Minnesota state senator and his wife were shot in what investigators say was an act of political violence.

On Wednesday night, a candlelight vigil was held on the steps of the Capitol in St. Paul in honor of Hortman. No additional details about the suspect or the specific nature of the threats have been released.

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