West Virginia Representative Arrested Over Death Threats Against GOP Members

Joseph De Soto, a state representative-elect in West Virginia, was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening to kill five of his Republican colleagues during a caucus meeting. His arrest follows a controversial party switch, as De Soto changed his registration from Republican to Democrat just one day before the incident.

De Soto, 61, was elected in November to represent Berkeley County in the House of Delegates. According to reports, he became enraged upon learning of a vote to remove him from office for undisclosed reasons. In addition to the threats, De Soto is under investigation for allegedly falsifying military and personal details during his campaign.

Law enforcement alleges that De Soto directed threats at House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Reps. Bill Ridenour, Pat McGeehan, Michael Hite, and Chuck Horst. Documents state that De Soto claimed divine instruction to carry out the threats and had sent messages warning of his intentions earlier in the week.

De Soto is currently being held on a $300,000 cash bond at Eastern Regional Jail. His last-minute switch to the Democratic Party has raised questions about which party will control his seat if he is removed. Political analysts predict litigation over the matter, with Republicans likely to argue the seat belongs to their party since De Soto was elected as a Republican.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing that “violence and intimidation have no place in our government or our democracy.” Similarly, West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge denounced De Soto’s behavior, supporting efforts to expel him and thanking those who continue to serve in public office despite challenges.

The arrest has heightened tensions within the state’s legislature and could lead to further disputes as lawmakers work to address the fallout from the incident

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