A Minnesota lobbyist is facing felony charges after he allegedly threatened to shoot people at the Minnesota State Capitol just days after a lawmaker in the state was assassinated and another critically injured.
Jonathan Michael Bohn – who has made numerous donations to Democratic causes including Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign – was arrested on Wednesday after making the threats via text message.
The 41-year-old Bohn works as the public affairs director of the Inter Faculty Organization (IFO). He made his first appearance in Carver County District Court on Friday.
In court, prosecutors said he had texted someone that he was ‘excited to have his gun at the capitol and blow someone’s effing face off’.
The criminal complaint, seen by KARE11, prosecutors claim he also said that: ‘After January 6, I bought a pistol.
‘Today I bought 500 bullets. I can’t wait to shoot one of you mother******* in the face,’ he wrote.
Officials said that a search of his home uncovered a firearm and he was placed under arrest.
According to the Minnesota House GOP, the text was received by a constituent of Rep. Jim Nash who then reported it to the authorities.
Jonathan Michael Bohn, 41, was arrested on Wednesday night and booked into Carver County Jail after he is said to have made the threats via text message
In court, prosecutors said he had texted someone that he was ‘excited to have his gun at the capitol and blow someone’s effing face off’, the capitol building in St. Paul is seen here
The outlet also reported that Bohn cried throughout his first appearance as Judge Eric Braaten set his bond at $1 million and ordered him to not contact the person he had text.
Bohn was also ordered to stay at least a half a mile radius away from the Capitol complex.
His attorney, John Lesch, said Bohn was engaged in a political argument when he made the comments.
Lesch contended that the remarks were inappropriate but didn’t mean to convey an actual intent to harm anyone.
He told the court that Bohn had been angered by a post that had mocked two of his friends, Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman.
Hortman was murdered last week alongside her husband Mark, while the same gunman also attempted to kill Hoffman and his wife.
Authorities say Trump supporter Vance Boelter, 57, is responsible for the killings, he was arrested late on Sunday night following an extensive manhunt.
Boelter was charged with a total of six federal counts – two for stalking, two for murder, and two for shooting and firearms offenses.
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman was murdered last week alongside her husband Mark, the couple are seen here
Authorities say Trump supporter Vance Boelter, seen here, is responsible for the killings, he was arrested late on Sunday night following an extensive manhunt
He already faces state charges, including murder and attempted murder.
In a statement, Bohn said: ‘I condemn violence in all its forms, and I agree with the calls from public officials and community leaders to turn down the temperature of our political discourse.
‘I failed to do that here. I am profoundly sorry that my words have created a distraction during this time of collective mourning.
‘This moment demands unity, compassion, and reflection — and I am committed to being part of that healing.’
In a bio on the IFO site, it says: ‘In the halls of the Capitol, Jonathan is regarded as a well-connected advocate who has worked on a variety of issues leading to legislative victories.’
State records say he has been registered as a lobbyist with the firm since 2015, and works in the area of higher education.
State records say he has been registered as a lobbyist with IFO since 2015, and works in the area of higher education
The IFO is a union that represents thousands of faculty at the seven state universities in Minnesota.
He has been placed on leave following the allegations.
IFO President Jenna Chernega said in a statement: ‘We are monitoring developments closely, cooperating as needed with law enforcement and will continue to keep our members informed.
‘As an organization, we remain committed to respectful, values-driven engagement with lawmakers, community partners, and one another – even in difficult moments.’
Federal Election Commission data also reveal he has donated Democrat PAC ActBlue numerous times, as well as the Hillary for America campaign.
