The political landscape of Minnesota was recently shaken when longtime lobbyist Jonathan Bohn was charged with a felony after sending deeply disturbing and violent text messages threatening lawmakers. This alarming development comes amid a tense atmosphere already reeling from a recent tragic shooting incident at the state Capitol. With the intersection of grief, political tension, and public safety concerns, the case of Jonathan Bohn has sparked outrage and fear among lawmakers and citizens alike.
A disturbing series of texts sends shockwaves through the political community
On June 18, 2025, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a resident in Waconia who had received graphic and threatening messages from Jonathan Bohn, a 41-year-old political lobbyist based in Woodbury, Minnesota. These messages, laced with explicit violent content, included direct threats such as, “Today I bought 500 bullets. I can’t wait to shoot one of you mother****ers in the face.” In another message, Bohn allegedly wrote, “Excited to have my gun at the Capitol and blow somebody’s fu***** face off.”
The recipient of these messages, who had known Bohn in a professional and political capacity but had distanced himself due to political disagreements, reported that the severity of the threats left him feeling unsafe and deeply alarmed. So much so, he immediately left the restaurant where he was dining, returned home, and locked his doors out of fear for his safety.
Bohn, known for his frequent visits to the Capitol as part of his lobbying work, was quickly identified as a credible threat. While the Minnesota House Information Services clarified that the threats did not appear to be aimed at a specific individual lawmaker, the proximity and accessibility Bohn had to elected officials added to the gravity of the situation. The fact that a Capitol insider — someone trusted within legislative circles — was issuing such threats made the matter all the more concerning.
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Law enforcement responded swiftly, and Bohn was taken into custody. He now faces a felony charge for threats of violence, a serious offense under Minnesota law. While he was later released on bail after a hearing on June 20, the court imposed strict restrictions, including a ban on firearms, a mandatory distance of at least half a mile from the Capitol, and an order prohibiting any contact with the victim.
A state still grieving recent tragedy struggles with renewed fear
The case of Jonathan Bohn arrives at a time when Minnesota is already struggling to come to terms with a harrowing act of violence that struck at the heart of its political community. Just days earlier, on June 14, a tragic shooting claimed the lives of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and left Sen. John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured. The accused shooter, Vance Boelter, has been taken into federal custody and now faces multiple federal charges that could result in a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
This backdrop of mourning and shock has made Bohn’s actions even more chilling. In a time when lawmakers and their families are still reeling from real-world violence, the emergence of a threat from within their own professional circle feels particularly jarring.
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The fear and anxiety that gripped the recipient of Bohn’s messages is likely shared by many others who frequent the Capitol and now must reckon with the idea that threats could come not just from anonymous extremists, but also from those working within the system.
Bohn, in an attempt to mitigate the fallout, issued a written apology following the incident. He stated, “Earlier this week, I was grieving the horrific acts of violence committed against my friends and colleagues… 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 further added, “I condemn violence in all its forms… I am profoundly sorry that my words have created a distraction during this time of collective mourning.”
While some may interpret Bohn’s apology as a sincere expression of grief-driven emotional instability, others argue that it falls short of taking full responsibility. In a high-stakes environment like state governance, words — especially those threatening violence — carry profound consequences, regardless of intent. For many, Bohn’s statement does little to calm the unease caused by his actions.
Trust in political institutions and insiders faces renewed scrutiny
The role of a lobbyist is often contentious, with public perception ranging from necessary advocate to shadowy influencer. Regardless of one’s view, lobbyists are integral to the legislative process, and they rely heavily on the trust and access granted by lawmakers. When someone in such a position betrays that trust through threats of violence, it forces a reevaluation of the boundaries, vetting processes, and oversight governing those who operate in these influential roles.
In Bohn’s case, his deep involvement in Minnesota politics and close work with legislators only amplifies the sense of betrayal. The fact that a person so deeply embedded in the political ecosystem could issue such graphic threats casts a shadow over the broader lobbying community. It raises difficult questions about how mental health issues, emotional responses to traumatic events, and access to power can intersect dangerously when left unchecked.
Furthermore, Bohn’s case is likely to reignite debates about gun control, mental health support for political professionals, and safety measures for lawmakers and staff. While Capitol security is often focused on external threats, the idea that someone with insider access could pose a risk calls for renewed protocols, perhaps even background checks or behavior-monitoring systems for those granted such proximity to elected officials.
As the case proceeds, Bohn is scheduled to appear in court again on August 27, 2025. Observers from both sides of the political spectrum will be watching closely, not just to see how the justice system responds, but also to gauge how the state’s legislative body will react. Will there be calls for Bohn’s permanent exclusion from Capitol grounds? Will the lobbying industry face greater regulation? Will lawmakers begin taking additional personal security precautions?
While Bohn’s defense may lean on emotional distress as a mitigating factor, prosecutors will likely underscore the real fear his words caused and the very real risk posed by someone who explicitly mentioned stockpiling ammunition and bringing a weapon to the Capitol. The law, ultimately, must weigh intent against action, words against outcomes, and pain against responsibility.
In the meantime, Minnesota continues to grapple with overlapping tragedies: the devastating loss of elected officials in a targeted shooting and the chilling realization that one of its own political insiders may have entertained similar thoughts. The healing process will undoubtedly be long, and trust — particularly within the walls of the Capitol — will be slow to rebuild.