Overview
- Rachel Welsch, 42, of Hugo, was charged in Washington County with one felony count of threats of violence targeting Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth.
- Welsch allegedly left a series of January–February voicemails referencing shooting, saying there was no bulletproof glass, vowing to be “at the end of that barrel,” and boasting about marksmanship training.
- State troopers visited Welsch’s home on Jan. 2 regarding the messages; she acknowledged calling but asked them to leave, and the voicemails allegedly continued.
- A judge granted protective measures including a temporary extreme risk protection order, a no-contact order, GPS monitoring, and a mental-health screening; Demuth also filed a restraining order.
- Court records show Welsch was released on a $20,000 bond with firearm relinquishment requirements, and her next court appearance is scheduled for April 7, as lawmakers weigh a special security unit after threats reportedly doubled from 2024 to 2025.