Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening to Target New Hampshire Gov. With ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’

A 22-year-old man from New Hampshire is accused of threatening to kill Gov. Kelly Ayotte and talking about bomb-making in Snapchat messages.

Tristan Anderson, from Hooksett, is charged with criminal threatening and making threats against certain government officials, CBS reported.

A criminal complaint says he “knowingly threatened to commit the crime of homicide and/or assault against Governor Kelly Ayotte … to influence her actions or in retaliation for her duties as a government official.”

According to CBS, Anderson was messaging a woman on Snapchat and said, “I’m going to target the NH Mayor Kelly ayott [sic]… With my weapon of mass destruction.”

The woman told police Anderson owned guns and had talked about making pipe bombs. Police said he showed her metal tubes, nuts, and bolts he planned to use in bombs, and that he had bought fireworks and taken them apart to make pipe bombs. His messages also included antisemitic remarks.

Anderson was arrested on Aug. 28 and is being held in custody without bail. His next court date is set for Nov. 20.

Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. senator, became governor last year after defeating Democrat Joyce Craig.