Minnesota lobbyist Jonathan Bohn has been charged wiht threats of violence after allegedly targeting the State capitol, sparking heightened safety concerns following recent political tragedies.Bohn’s threatening text messages, sent to an acquaintance, included alarming statements related to firearms, prompting the Carver County Sheriff’s Office to investigate.These charges underscore the escalating tension surrounding political discourse and the urgent need to address violence. Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were victims of assassinations, further compounding the gravity of the situation. Gov.Tim Walz has weighed in, suggesting a review of current gun laws. News Directory 3 reports these critical updates. Bohn claims his texts were influenced by grief. Will the charges led to stricter capitol security? Discover what’s next as the legal proceedings unfold.
Minnesota Lobbyist Charged After Threats of Violence
Updated June 21, 2025
A registered Minnesota lobbyist faces charges of “threats of violence,” including targeting the State capitol, amid rising concerns about lawmaker safety. The charges against Jonathan Bohn, 41, of Woodbury, come after the assassinations of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, further escalating worries about political violence and the need for increased security.
Bohn, a lobbyist with the Inter Faculty Association, which represents faculty at Minnesota State universities, allegedly made the threats in text messages to an acquaintance. The Carver County Sheriff’s Office received a report Wednesday from the acquaintance, who stated that political differences had caused a significant lapse in dialog before the threatening messages.
The attacks on the Hortmans, along with the shooting injuries sustained by sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, have prompted increased police protection for state and federal lawmakers.Gov. Tim Walz suggested the legislature should reconsider the state law allowing concealed weapons in the Capitol building.
According to the criminal complaint, Bohn’s texts included threats such as claiming to have “bought 500 bullets” and expressing a desire to bring a gun to the Capitol to shoot someone. The case highlights the growing tension and the need for addressing political violence and ensuring public safety.
Bohn released a statement from jail, explaining that he sent the texts while grieving the deaths of the Hortmans and the shootings of the Hoffmans.
“In the midst of this immense grief, I sent a series of heated and emotional texts to a friend of nearly thirteen years,” Bohn said.
He added that he condemns violence and agrees with calls to de-escalate political discourse, admitting, “I failed to do that here.” The incident underscores the importance of responsible communication and the potential consequences of inflammatory rhetoric in the current political climate. The charges against Bohn serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in addressing threats of violence.
What’s next
The case against Bohn is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about security measures at the Minnesota State Capitol and the broader issue of political violence.
