Man arrested for threatening to kill GOP governor with ‘weapon of mass destruction’: police
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A 22-year-old New Hampshire man is facing felony charges after police say he threatened to kill Gov. Kelly Ayotte using a “weapon of mass destruction” and invoking antisemitic and anti-government rhetoric in a series of disturbing online messages, court records show.

Tristan Alexander Anderson, of Merrimack County, was arrested on Aug. 28 after Pembroke police received a report that Anderson had made threats against Ayotte, a Republican, via Snapchat. Anderson’s roommate shared the messages with her ex-boyfriend, who contacted police, according to a probable cause statement.

In one of the messages, Anderson wrote, “I’m going to target the NH Mayor Kelly ayott. With my weapon of mass destruction,” according to the document. 

Kelly Ayotte is sworn in as New Hampshire governor

Republican Kelly Ayotte, a former U.S. senator who succeeds fellow Republican Chris Sununu, is sworn in during her inauguration at the State House, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

“I think it’s going to be important to watch as additional information about this case comes to light,” O’Neill told the outlet.

Fox News Digital reached out to Ayotte’s office and Anderson’s lawyer for comment. 

The arrest comes amid heightened concerns about political violence nationwide, including the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The founder of Turning Point USA was killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, had become “radicalized” as he lurched left and became more political, according to his family members.

On Wednesday, Ayotte addressed concerns about the safety of public officials, according to the Concord Monitor, mentioning that discussions are underway between state legislators and law enforcement regarding the security needs of elected officials.

Ayotte also noted that any significant changes, such as increased security or restricted access, would require action by the Legislature, which has jurisdiction over the building.

Chris Vetter, who oversees Safety Services at the State House, told the Monitor that his team has not been informed of any specific threats targeting lawmakers or staff.

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Appeals court upholds disqualification of Alina Habba as US attorney for New Jersey

Appeals Court Confirms Disqualification of Alina Habba from Serving as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey

In a significant decision on Monday, a federal appeals court disqualified Alina…
Surveillance video shows brazen heist at high-end boutique in New York City

Surveillance Footage Captures Daring Theft at Upscale New York City Boutique

NEW YORK — Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects involved in a…
Exclusive | New York socialite snags Manalapan, Florida, mansion for $21 million

New York Socialite Acquires Lavish $21 Million Mansion in Manalapan, Florida

Prominent New York socialite and author Jean Shafiroff, along with her husband,…
Pope Leo XIV's childhood Dolton, Illinois home is officially a historical landmark at 212 E. 141st Place

Discover the Historic Roots: Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home in Dolton, Illinois Designated as a Landmark

The village of Dolton, Illinois, has proudly declared the childhood residence of…
Suspect injured in St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting, US-1 shut down temporarily

Breaking News: St. Johns County Incident Closes US-1 After Deputy-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Injured

Deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office engaged in a shooting…
'Arctic outbreak' to paralyze US with sub-zero temperatures for WEEKS

Brace for Impact: Prolonged Arctic Blast to Grip US with Icy Temperatures and Disruption

The United States is bracing for a frigid winter as a significant…
FILE - Eugene Hasenfus stands outside U.S. District Court in Miami, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1986 after appearing at a status hearing in his lawsuit against two Iran-Contra figures. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

Remembering Eugene Hasenfus: The Man Behind the Iran-Contra Affair’s Dark Secrets

Eugene Hasenfus, an instrumental figure whose capture revealed the Iran-Contra affair, has…
Did anyone win the $490M Powerball jackpot? Winning numbers for Monday, Nov. 10

Has the $740 million Powerball jackpot been claimed following Monday’s drawing?

The Powerball jackpot continues its upward climb, reaching a remarkable $775 million…