A man from West Fargo, North Dakota, appeared in federal court following his arrest on charges of threatening the President of the United States and other federal officials. Andrew Walter Sandvik, 47, was charged under 18 USC 115(a)(1)(B) for allegedly making online threats targeting the President as well as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the United States Secret Service.
United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase commented on the cooperation between law enforcement agencies: “This investigation is an incredible federal, state, and local law enforcement partnership, working together to investigate and safely arrest someone who allegedly expressed a willingness to commit extreme violence,” said United States Attorney Chase. “I appreciate greatly that we have skilled and professional law enforcement working with us on this case and the many others in the District of North Dakota.”
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston, Sr., provided further details about the case: “Thursday morning, the FBI, along with our Federal, State and Local partners, arrested Andrew Walter Sandvik on charges related to threats made against Federal Officials,” said Winston. “As alleged in the complaint, Sandvik made threats against President Donald J. Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, local law enforcement officers and the U.S. military. Death threats and violent, inflammatory rhetoric have no place in our society. Threats against Federal Officials, whether they are made online or in person, will result in a swift response by the FBI.”
Police Chief David Zibolski of Fargo highlighted his department’s role: “The Fargo Police Department also recognizes the inherent dangers associated with the conduct alleged in the complaint and worked in partnership with the FBI to ensure public safety during this operation,” said Zibolski.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, North Dakota Bureau of Investigations, and Fargo Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Dakota.
