Joseph de Soto, a newly elected Republican lawmaker in West Virginia, was arrested on charges of making threats against government officials weeks before he was set to be sworn in. The 61-year-old delegate-elect from Gerrardstown, W.Va, was taken into custody for terroristic threats, according to the West Virginia State Police. Records showed that de Soto had recently switched party affiliations from Republican to Democrat. Reports from fellow Republicans indicated that de Soto threatened to kill delegates because he was upset about being forced out of his position. The House G.O.P. Caucus had voted to expel him, although the reason for this decision was not disclosed. De Soto did not comment on the situation.
The West Virginia State Police stated that threats to intimidate or coerce government officials would not be tolerated. De Soto’s arrest by the Martinsburg detachment of the State Police occurred early on Thursday. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of lawmakers in the state. The circumstances surrounding de Soto’s arrest and political status may have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political landscape. Officials and constituents alike are left to grapple with the fallout of this alarming event as it continues to unfold.
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