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.
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.
