Joseph De Soto, a newly elected West Virginia state representative, was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening to kill five of his Republican colleagues. The arrest, which followed his sudden switch from Republican to Democrat the day prior, has sparked questions over who will assume his seat if it remains vacant.
De Soto, 61, was elected in November to represent Berkeley County in the House of Delegates as a Republican. However, according to local reports, he changed his party affiliation to Democrat just one day before his arrest. The allegations stem from an incident during a caucus meeting at the state Capitol, where De Soto reportedly made death threats against several Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Reps. Bill Ridenour, Pat McGeehan, Michael Hite, and Chuck Horst.
Joseph De Soto Arrested for Threats Against GOP Lawmakers, Shaking West Virginia Politics – Give Me Five News https://t.co/e71Qtr7ddB
— Kathlin Hawleys (@HawleysJadefav) December 16, 2024
Law enforcement documents state that De Soto claimed “God called on him” to kill the representatives and that he had sent threatening messages earlier in the week. His arrest comes as he is also under investigation for allegedly falsifying military and personal information during his campaign.
De Soto is being held at Eastern Regional Jail on a $300,000 cash bond. His sudden party switch could lead to a legal battle over which party retains control of his seat. Political analyst Tom Susman suggested the Republican Party may contest the matter, arguing the seat should remain under GOP control since De Soto was elected as a Republican.
GOP: PARTY OF FAMILY VALUES? 😂😂😂👇👇👇👇Incoming West Virginia state lawmaker arrested after allegedly threatening to kill fellow lawmakers – NBC News https://t.co/LwNdKG0Z0M
— educated derelict (@deviousfranklin) December 13, 2024
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin condemned the alleged threats, stating, “Violence and intimidation have no place in our government or our democracy.” Meanwhile, West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge expressed support for efforts to remove De Soto, adding, “We disavow and condemn the behavior of the former Republican Delegate-elect.”
As legal and political implications unfold, the incident has raised concerns about safety and stability within West Virginia’s legislative process.
