Photo: West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Joseph de Soto, a delegate-elect from West Virginia, was arrested on Thursday (December 12) after allegedly threatening to kill several lawmakers. The threats reportedly came after de Soto was informed he might be removed from his position in the GOP caucus. De Soto, a medical doctor from Gerrardstown, allegedly targeted several Eastern Panhandle lawmakers, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.
According to Fox News, de Soto was booked as a pretrial felon for making terroristic threats. He reportedly expressed his anger over being asked to step down from his position for undisclosed reasons. De Soto allegedly claimed to have received a vision from the Mormon Angel of Moroni, instructing him to "destroy" certain delegates.
The threats have led to increased security measures for the targeted lawmakers. Delegate Wayne Clark, one of the individuals threatened, praised local law enforcement for their quick response in securing his family. Clark emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Having someone make threats that are now affecting my family... that's a tough one to deal with."
De Soto, who was elected as a Republican in the 91st District, reportedly filed to change his party affiliation to Democrat just before his arrest. This change could lead to a partisan or legal dispute over his replacement, as West Virginia law requires the outgoing lawmaker's party to appoint a successor.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin expressed concern for the safety of the delegates and their families, stating that such threats should be treated with the full weight of the law. The West Virginia Republican Party also condemned the threats and supported the expulsion efforts against de Soto.