Man Arrested For Text Threatening Violence At Minnesota Capitol Amid Heightened Tensions

Man Arrested For Text Threatening Violence At Minnesota Capitol Amid Heightened Tensions

By MinneapoliMedia Staff | June 20, 2025

ST. PAUL, MN — A man has been arrested in Carver County after allegedly sending a text message that included a "threat of violence at the Capitol," the Minnesota House Republican Caucus announced Thursday. The arrest comes just days after the politically motivated assassinations of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, and the attempted assassinations of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, have sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape and heightened security concerns at the State Capitol.

Courtesy: KSTP news

According to a statement released by the Minnesota House Republican staff, a legislator was notified on Wednesday, June 18, of a "personal text message" received by a constituent that was "threatening in nature." Republican Representative Jim Nash (R-Waconia) was the lawmaker who reported the threat to the House Sergeant at Arms, the State Patrol, and the Carver County Sheriff's Office.

While the threat was not directed at any specific lawmaker, the message explicitly included a threat of violence at the State Capitol. Sources close to the investigation, as reported by FOX 9, indicate the text message allegedly stated, "can't wait to shoot you expletives at the Capitol." The threatening text was reportedly sent shortly before a candlelight vigil for Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, was held at the State Capitol on Wednesday evening.

The individual was questioned by authorities, arrested, and is currently being held in the Carver County Jail pending an appearance in court. As of Friday morning, charges have not yet been formally filed, and his identity has not been publicly released by law enforcement. The House Sergeant at Arms' Office has stated it is "not aware of any further threat to staff or members of the Legislature" following the arrest.

The incident underscores the extreme tension and anxiety pervading Minnesota's political community in the wake of the recent violence. Governor Tim Walz has explicitly called for the Legislature to "reconsider" allowing firearms inside the Capitol complex, stating Thursday that he believes it is "inappropriate that we carry firearms in the Capitol, and I think we have to reassess that." Under current Minnesota law, individuals with a permit to carry can bring a handgun into the Capitol building.

The Capitol complex has seen increased security measures implemented since the weekend's attacks. While the Minnesota State Capitol remains largely accessible to the public without metal detectors or X-ray screenings at main entrances, discussions about enhanced security are ongoing among lawmakers and security officials. The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security has previously highlighted that $19 million has been allocated for security upgrades at the complex over the last five years, aiming to balance public accessibility with safety.

The primary suspect in the June 14 attacks, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody on Sunday night after an extensive two-day manhunt. He faces both state and federal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and stalking. Authorities have revealed that Boelter had a "hit list" containing the names of approximately 45 state and federal elected officials, predominantly Democrats and abortion rights advocates, further emphasizing the politically charged nature of the recent violence.

This latest arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to public officials and democratic institutions, prompting immediate action and renewed debate about security protocols and political rhetoric in Minnesota.

MinneapoliMedia