Charles Town, West Virginia – West Virginia's incoming delegate was arrested Thursday on suspicion of threatening to kill multiple members of Congress after being informed he could be removed from his job in the Republican caucus.
President-elect Joseph de Soto, a doctor from Gerardstown, about 100 miles west of Washington, D.C., was so furious Tuesday that he was told he was being told to resign and threatened several other delegates, including the speaker of the House. It has been reported.
De Soto was listed in state jail records in Berkeley County as having been arrested as an “untried felon” for making terrorist threats.
Fox News Digital said DeSoto was recommended for a vote to fire him for “undisclosed reasons” and was “disturbed” upon hearing the news.
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Travelers who cross the East River Mountain Tunnel on Interstate 77 in Princeton are greeted by the West Virginia Welcome Sign. (Charles Crates)
De Soto then threatened to kill several Eastern Panhandle congressmen and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R-Clay).
“My focus is on the four evil people…not being angry, just being peaceful and doing what I have to do,” De Soto said, according to the criminal complaint. When an individual tried to stop Mr. de Soto from threatening people, his response was, “I said I was going to kill people. I said, “I'm going to do what's necessary.''
De Soto said he had a vision from Moroni's Mormon angel to “destroy” Wayne Clark, Republican Charles Towne and Delsu. Michael Hite, Joe Fankhauser and Charles Horst, all Republicans of Martinsburg; He also claimed that God told him to kill another deputy from Weirton.
“They are playing stupid games and getting stupid prizes,” DeSoto wrote in an email to the person who filed the complaint, according to a law enforcement report obtained by Fox News Digital.
“The Eastern Panhandle delegation… can all go to hell. I will send them there as ordered.”
In an interview Friday, one such representative, Clark, said he received a call in the early morning hours during his five-hour commute from Charleston to Charlestown that his family was told to relocate immediately because of threats.
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Harpers Ferry in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. ((UCG/Getty))
“I was driving straight through a snowstorm, so I didn't get to see my family until almost 7 p.m., and it wasn't until 3 p.m. that I got the call,” Clark said.
Clark praised the Charlestown Police Department and the Jefferson and Berkeley County Sheriff's Offices for acting quickly to ensure the family's safety. He also said he hopes de Soto can receive personal assistance.
“He obviously needs some help because of some things that happened in his previous life. I don't know,” he said.
The congressman said he understands that running for office means his identity, votes and comments will be made public, but he insisted his family should not be made public.
“I don't know if I've ever gotten a call where someone made a threat that was affecting my family and said, 'Hey, Wayne. Get my family to safety.' Whoa. , I understand. It's a difficult problem to deal with.”
Mr. De Soto had been elected as a Republican in the 91st District, which includes the suburbs of Martinsburg. However, he reportedly applied to change his affiliation to the Democratic Party just before his arrest.
West Virginia law states that when a vacancy occurs in a delegate, the county committee of the outgoing member's party “shall appoint a party member” to fill the seat, so this change would make it easier for his successor to fill the seat. The method could lead to partisan or legal battles. Republicans currently control the West Virginia General Assembly by a vote of 89-11.
De Soto was recently investigated for allegedly falsifying information about his medical background, reportedly leading to concerns from Republicans. CBS affiliate station in Huntington.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Pushkin said the party's thoughts are with the affected delegates and their families.
“No one, especially those in public service, should ever fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones,” Kanawha's Pushkin said in a statement. “These allegations are extremely serious and should be treated with the full weight of the law.”
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WVGOP Chairman Matt Herridge said in a statement that the party is “aware of the allegations and facts of this incident and the steps the House Republican Caucus has taken toward it.” [de Soto’s] Expulsion. ”
“Our elected officials sacrifice so much to serve their communities, and it is a travesty for anyone to face the added burden of threats against themselves or their families.The West Virginia Republican Party I support the House leadership and their efforts to expel them.”
“We disavow and condemn the actions of former Republican delegates and remain grateful to all those who seek to serve their communities and our nation despite the serious challenges they too often pose.”
FOX News Digital has reached out to the West Virginia State Police for additional comment regarding DeSoto's arrest.
Calls to a number listed for De Soto were not returned.
