Minnesota lobbyist arrested after allegedly sending threatening texts
A longtime Minnesota lobbyist was charged Friday after allegedly making violent threats ”with the purpose to terrorize another” person, according to court documents.
Jonathan M. Bohn, 41, is believed to have committed “threats of violence — reckless disregard” after sending a series of threatening text messages. The charge, a felony, carries a maximum penalty of up to a five-year prison sentence or a $10,000 fine or both.
While the court document, filed in the First Judicial District of Carver County, does not include the name of the person Bohn, a lobbyist for 20 years, reportedly sent the texts to, it does include samples of several texts threatening in nature.
In one message, Bohn allegedly wrote in part, “… Today I bought 500 bullets. I can’t wait to shoot one of you motherf—— in the face.”
In another message he wrote, “Excited to have my gun at the Capitol and blow somebody’s f—— face off.”
On Friday, a judge in Chaska, Minn., set Bohn’s bail at $1 million and ordered that he have no contact with the person he made the threatening comments to. The judge also ordered that Bohn must stay a half-mile away from the Capitol complex.
It is believed that Bohn’s sent the flurry of threatening texts on Wednesday. Court documents suggest he was allegedly spurred on after seeing a friend post an image of President Donald Trump as a king. It appears the friend changed the image ahead of the June 14 “No Kings Day” march, a protest against Trump, according to NBC News affiliate KARE 11. Earlier on June 14, Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former state House speaker, and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed in their homes. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their homes. John Hoffman, who was shot nine times, is in critical but stable condition.
Despite Bohn’s series of erratic text messages, the person who received them did not respond to Bohn, according to court documents.
During a search of Bohn’s home, police found a gun but no ammunition.
As he sat in court on Friday, Bohn wept through the proceedings. He later released a statement from jail.
“Earlier this week, I was grieving the horrific acts of violence committed against my friends and colleagues,” he said. “In the midst of this immense grief, I sent a series of heated and emotional texts to a friend of nearly thirteen years — someone with whom I’ve shared countless candid and passionate political conversations. In that moment of anguish, I used language that I deeply regret. The words were spoken from pain, not from intent. I am a hurting person, not a violent one.”
He went on to say that he is not a violent person.
“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.”
As his case moves through the court system, Bohn is on administrative leave from Inter Faculty Organization (IFO), which represents the needs of seven Minnesota state universities.
“We are monitoring developments closely, cooperating as needed with law enforcement and will continue to keep our members informed.” said IFO president Jenna Chernega in a statement to KARE 11.
Bohn’s next court date is Aug. 27.