Suspect arrested for threatening NH Gov. Ayotte with ‘weapon of mass destruction’
A man accused of threatening to kill New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte with a “weapon of mass destruction” has been arrested, police said. Tristan Anderson, of Hooksett, has been charged with criminal threatening and harm or threats to certain government official in connection with a series of Snapchat messages, which included antisemitic and anti-government rhetoric in addition to threats ...
Kelly Ayotte is joined by Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena at the New Hampshire State House in Concord, Massachusetts on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
Matthew Medsger/Boston Herald/TNS
A man accused of threatening to kill New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte with a “weapon of mass destruction” has been arrested, police said.
Tristan Anderson, of Hooksett, has been charged with criminal threatening and harm or threats to certain government official in connection with a series of Snapchat messages, which included antisemitic and anti-government rhetoric in addition to threats against Ayotte.
He allegedly sent the snaps to a woman, one of which read, “I’m going to target the NH Mayor Kelly ayott (sic). With my weapon of mass destruction,” according to a criminal complaint obtained by the local Patch.
“These jew feds need to f—— die,” Anderson allegedly said in another message.
He also wrote, “Same with polygamy, WHICH WAS CREATED BY THE FICKING JEWS AND ISRAEL DEEP STATE (emphasized in the Snap),” according to the affidavit.
The unidentified woman told police that Anderson owned guns and that he’d made mention of making pipe bombs. The suspect also allegedly showed her the metal tubes he was using to make the explosives as well as nuts and bolts he was going to put in them, police said.
According to the complaint, 22-year-old Anderson “did knowingly threaten to commit the crime of homicide and/or assault against Governor Kelly Ayotte … for the purpose of influencing such official’s action or in retaliation for action taken as part of such official’s government duties.”
Anderson was arrested on Aug. 28 and remained in custody Friday without bail. His next court appearance is slated for Nov. 20.
Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. senator, was elected governor last year, beating out Democrat Joyce Craig for the job.
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