West Virginia Lawmaker Arrested for Threats

Joseph de Soto, a West Virginia state delegate-elect, was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill multiple lawmakers after learning he might be expelled from his GOP caucus. The threats included specific targets such as House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and other Republican delegates, with de Soto claiming he was acting on divine instruction. He has been charged with making terroristic threats and is being held on a $300,000 bond. The West Virginia State Police emphasized that threats against government officials are taken seriously, and state GOP officials have condemned de Soto's actions. Notably, de Soto changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat shortly before his arrest, prompting further investigation into the legality of such a switch. The case remains under investigation as police continue to gather evidence.