Hubbard County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Park Rapids man faces two felony charges after alleged threats tied to the Minnesota Capitol.
John Tobias, of Park Rapids, is charged with two felony counts of making terroristic threats. The Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office announced the case after an investigation on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
What investigators say
Authorities say a Minnesota State Patrol investigator flagged a Facebook post connected to Tobias. The post reportedly tagged state Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen and demanded money tied to COVID-19 shutdown losses. Investigators say the post included a threat to kill the senator. Sen. Gruenhagen represents District 17 in the Minnesota Senate. (Minnesota State Patrol) (Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen)
Around the same time, investigators say a man identifying himself as John Tobias called the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. A staff member reported the caller said he lost a large amount of money during the pandemic. Authorities say the caller threatened to go to the Capitol and “execute everyone in the building” if he did not get it back. (Minnesota Attorney General’s Office)
Search and arrest
Investigators say they linked the Facebook post and the phone call to Tobias. They tracked him to Hubbard County and obtained a search warrant for a property outside Park Rapids.
Deputies served the warrant at about 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. The Lakes Area SWAT Team assisted during the operation. Tobias was taken into custody and booked into the Hubbard County Jail.
Investigators say they found nine firearms and 40 boxes of ammunition at the property. The sheriff’s office said Tobias later admitted he made both the Facebook post and the phone call.
Court and bail
Tobias was arraigned on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Hubbard County court. A judge set bail at $300,000 with no conditions. Bail was set at $150,000 with conditions.
In Minnesota, felony threat cases are often charged under the state’s “threats of violence” law. That law is listed in Minnesota Statute 609.713. (Minn. Stat. 609.713)
Charges are allegations. The case will proceed in court. The sheriff’s office continues to handle the local investigation. (Hubbard County Sheriff)
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.