Peace Garden News

A man from West Fargo, North Dakota, has appeared in federal court after being charged with threatening the President of the United States and other federal officials. Andrew Walter Sandvik, 47, was arrested following an investigation into several online social media posts in which he allegedly made threats toward the President as well as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service.

United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase stated, “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. 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., commented on the arrest: “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. 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 the Fargo Police Department also addressed concerns about public safety during Sandvik’s arrest: “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.”

The investigation is being conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, United States Secret Service, North Dakota Bureau of Investigations, and Fargo Police Department. The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota.