West Virginia Delegate Joseph de Soto Arrested for Alleged Death Threats Against Lawmakers

West Virginia delegate Joseph de Soto faces serious charges after allegedly threatening to kill fellow lawmakers.

At a Glance

Joseph de Soto, an incoming West Virginia delegate, was arrested for making terroristic threats against colleagues
De Soto allegedly claimed “God called him to kill them,” naming several lawmakers including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw
He was charged with “terroristic threats” and held on a $300,000 bond
De Soto recently switched from the Republican to the Democratic party before his arrest
Both Democratic and Republican party leaders have condemned de Soto’s actions

Delegate Arrested for Alleged Death Threats

Joseph de Soto, an incoming member of the West Virginia House of Delegates, was arrested on charges of making terroristic threats against fellow lawmakers. The West Virginia State Police took de Soto into custody following an investigation into alleged death threats targeting several Republican delegates, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.

The arrest comes after intense discussions regarding de Soto’s potential removal from the Republican caucus. De Soto, who won a Republican primary but recently switched to the Democratic party, is facing serious felony charges with a bond set at $300,000.

Alarming Threats and Divine Claims

According to reports, de Soto made alarming statements about his intentions towards his colleagues. In one instance, he allegedly claimed that “God called him to kill them,” referring to several lawmakers he had targeted.

“God called him to kill them.” – Joseph de Soto

De Soto’s threats caused significant concern among lawmakers, with some taking drastic measures to ensure their families’ safety. Delegate Wayne Clark reported having to relocate his family after being named in the death threats.

The delegate-elect, Joseph de Soto, who was elected last month to represent District 91 in the House of Delegates, was taken into custody on charges of terroristic threats. https://t.co/ct73AiAgQS w/ @gettinviggy

— Johnny Diaz (@johnnydiaz__) December 12, 2024

Political Fallout and Condemnation

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the political aisle. The West Virginia Republican Party swiftly expelled de Soto from their caucus and condemned his behavior. Democratic leaders also expressed their dismay at the situation.

“Our elected officials sacrifice a lot to serve their communities, and it is a travesty for anyone to face the additional burden of threats made against themselves and their families.” – West Virginia Republican Party chairman Matt Herridge

The West Virginia State Police and Capitol Police are now handling the safety of delegates, highlighting the seriousness of the threats. De Soto’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 23, and he has entered a not guilty plea.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

As the legal process unfolds, questions arise about de Soto’s political future. If removed from office, state law dictates that his position will be filled by another Democrat. The Legislature is set to reconvene in February 2025, with de Soto’s term originally scheduled to start in January 2025.

While de Soto’s defense team emphasizes his innocence until proven guilty, the gravity of the charges and the nature of the alleged threats have cast a shadow over his political career. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining civility and respect in political discourse, even in times of disagreement.