An indictment has been issued against a Minneapolis resident for allegedly threatening to murder a member of the U.S. Congress, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota. The individual, identified as Michael Paul Lewis, aged 52, reportedly left a threatening voicemail on March 26 aimed at a Congress member. The identity of the Congress member remains undisclosed, though the pronoun “her” was used, implying that she is one of the five women currently serving in Minnesota’s congressional delegation, which includes Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, as well as Representatives Betty McCollum, Angie Craig, and Michelle Fischbach.
The Acting U.S. Attorney, Lisa D. Kirkpatrick, emphasized the serious nature of such threats, noting that federal law is designed to protect elected officials from violent and aggressive rhetoric. She expressed that such behavior is entirely unacceptable and assured that anyone who attempts to intimidate public officials will face severe legal consequences. Kirkpatrick praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for their prompt action in handling the case.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Senior of the Minneapolis FBI office reiterated that the threat made by Lewis does not qualify as protected speech but constitutes a federal offense necessitating swift action. He highlighted the commitment of the FBI and its partners to investigate threats against elected leaders thoroughly and ensure accountability for those who endanger their safety.
Michael Paul Lewis faces charges including one count of threatening to murder a U.S. official and another count involving the interstate transmission of a threat to injure. He appeared in the U.S. District Court on Friday, and he is set to remain in custody pending his arraignment and detention hearing scheduled for April 23 before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
