Minnesota Lobbyist Charged After Texts Threatening to Shoot Lawmakers
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Who Is the Lobbyist?
The individual at the center of the case is Jonathan Michael Bohn, a 41‑year‑old resident of Woodbury, Minnesota, and a longtime political lobbyist with deep ties to the state’s legislative community. As of his arrest, Bohn worked as the public affairs director of the Inter Faculty Organization, a union representing faculty at Minnesota State universities.
He was regarded by colleagues as a well‑connected lobbyist who regularly worked on issues at the Minnesota Capitol, frequently appearing in the halls of the legislature as part of his advocacy work.
The Threatening Text Messages
On June 18, 2025, law enforcement was alerted to a serious threat after a Waconia resident reported receiving a series of “threatening in nature” text messages from Bohn. According to court documents and police reports, the texts included highly violent language, such as:
“…Today I bought 500 bullets. I can’t wait to shoot one of you mother‑—-ers in the face.”
“Excited to have my gun at the capitol and blow somebody’s fu‑‑‑ing face off.”
“You’re a s‑‑‑ person.”
The messages were reportedly so disturbing that the recipient — who had not communicated with Bohn for some time due to political disagreements — left a restaurant early, locked his doors at home, and had trouble sleeping that night.
Officials later confirmed that the threats were not directed at any specific named lawmaker, but expressed a general intent to shoot people at the State Capitol.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
After the threatening texts were reported, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office investigated and located Bohn. Authorities arrested him later that same week and booked him into jail on suspicion of threats of violence, a felony charge under Minnesota law.
State prosecutors charged Bohn with one count of threats of violence, which can carry severe criminal penalties, including potential prison time. Bail was reportedly set by a judge at $1 million, and conditions included restricting his access to the Capitol complex and requiring that he stay at least a half‑mile away.
Officials executing a search warrant at Bohn’s home also found an unloaded firearm in a locked case in his garage, though there was no immediate indication that he had plans to use it.
Context: Political Violence in Minnesota
The horrific shootings drew national attention, with authorities describing the attacks as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated violence and targeting elected officials. Law enforcement launched one of the largest manhunts in Minnesota history to apprehend the suspect, who was ultimately arrested in rural Sibley County.
In that context of fear and uncertainty, the threatening texts sent by Bohn — a lobbyist with regular access to the Capitol — intensified fears among lawmakers, staff, and the public about possible further acts of violence against state representatives.
Legal and Political Implications
The case has raised important questions about security at the Minnesota State Capitol, especially given the relative openness of the building and the tradition of easy access for lobbyists and the public. In the aftermath of both the shootings and Bohn’s arrest, some lawmakers, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, suggested re‑evaluating the laws that currently allow concealed weapons inside the Capitol.
Prosecutors also emphasized that threats of violence — even when made in texts or social media — are treated seriously when they are credible or create fear and disruption. The charges against Bohn highlight growing concerns about threats made online or via digital communication, particularly when directed at public officials.
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