A West Fargo man, Andrew Walter Sandvik, 47, appeared in federal court to face charges related to threats against the President of the United States and other federal officials. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota announced that Sandvik is charged under 18 USC 115(a)(1)(B) with influencing a federal official by threat.
According to the complaint, Sandvik allegedly posted multiple threatening messages on social media targeting the President, as well as making concerning posts directed at the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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: “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.”
Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski added: “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 involves cooperation between several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Secret Service (USSS), North Dakota Bureau of Investigations (NDBI), and Fargo Police Department (FPD). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee from the District of North Dakota.
