Michael Lewis, a Minneapolis resident, faces federal charges after being indicted for allegedly threatening to murder a United States Congressperson. This development was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
Court documents reveal that on March 26, 2025, Lewis, aged 52, allegedly left a threatening voicemail at the office of the Congressperson, expressing intentions to murder her.
"Federal law protects our elected officials from this sort of violent, unhinged, and murderous rhetoric," said Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick. "It is entirely unacceptable. Defendants who attempt to terrorize public officials in this way will face the full weight of federal justice. I am grateful for the diligent and swift work of the FBI to hold this defendant to account."
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis emphasized the seriousness of the threat, stating, "Threatening to kill a member of Congress is not protected speech. It is a federal crime that will be met with immediate and decisive action." He further added, "No one should be subject to violence for fulfilling their elected duty to represent the American people. The FBI and our partners will investigate such threats thoroughly and hold accountable anyone who threatens the safety of our elected leaders."
Lewis is charged with one count of threatening to murder a United States official and one count of interstate transmission of a threat to injure another person. Following his initial appearance in U.S. District Court, Lewis will remain detained until his arraignment and detention hearing on April 23, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster.
The case is under investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Capitol Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys LeeAnn Bell and Andrew Winter will prosecute the case.
While an indictment has been issued, it is important to note that it remains an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
