Incoming WV Lawmaker Threatens To Kill 5 Republicans, Switches To Democrat Party [WATCH]

Joseph De Soto, a recently elected West Virginia state delegate, was arrested this week and charged with making “terroristic threats” to kill five of his Republican colleagues.

The arrest occurred just one day after De Soto, 61, switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

West Virginia Delegate Elect Joseph De Soto who switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party was arrested for threatening to k*ll 5 Republican lawmakers. He allegedly said that God called him to k*ll them. pic.twitter.com/XPUop478iC

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 15, 2024

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The West Virginia State Police report alleges that De Soto threatened to kill Delegate Bill Ridenour, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, Delegate Pat McGeehan, Delegate Michael Hite, and Delegate Chuck Horst. According to the complaint, when asked to explain his statements, De Soto reportedly claimed that God had called him to carry out the killings.

De Soto’s sudden party switch before his arrest has raised questions about the future of his seat in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Political analysts predict a potential legal battle over whether the seat should remain with the Republican Party, under which De Soto was elected, or transition to the Democratic Party.

“The Republican Party may contest that and say he was elected as a Republican, and so it should be a Republican,” Tom Susman, a political analyst for WMOV Radio, told WOWK 13 News.

“If he does come in as a Democrat, then that means the Democrats in the caucus can now demand roll call votes, whereas with only nine, they couldn’t demand roll call votes.”

De Soto’s arrest follows weeks of controversy surrounding his conduct. Republican lawmakers had previously voted to expel him from their caucus after allegations surfaced that he had falsified information about his medical and military background during his campaign.

De Soto’s expulsion left him politically isolated, and his threats against GOP colleagues further escalated tensions.

West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge issued a statement condemning De Soto’s behavior and expressing support for efforts to remove him from office.

“We are aware of these and other concerning facts and allegations, as well as the steps the House GOP Caucus has taken toward expulsion,” Herridge said.

“Our elected officials sacrifice a lot to serve their communities, and it is a travesty for anyone to face the additional burden of threats made against themselves and their families. The West Virginia Republican Party supports our House leadership and their expulsion efforts. We disavow and condemn the behavior of the former Republican Delegate-elect and continue to thank all those who are willing to serve their communities and state, in spite of the serious challenges it too often poses.”

A spokesperson for the West Virginia House of Delegates declined to comment on the matter, but De Soto’s arrest has created a cloud of uncertainty over the seat he currently holds.

The implications of his party switch and the charges against him could lead to a prolonged legal dispute.

The West Virginia House is composed of a Republican supermajority, with Democrats holding only nine seats before De Soto’s switch.

Should his seat be officially designated as Democratic, it could provide the minority party with additional procedural leverage, such as the ability to demand roll call votes.

De Soto remains in custody as the investigation into the threats continues. It is unclear whether additional charges will be filed.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions within state politics and underscores the serious challenges faced by public officials.

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