Rapid City man accused of threatening South Dakota's new governor
Attorney General brings charge against 28 year old for allegedly targeting Gov. Rhoden
Within a week of being sworn into office, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden became the victim of politically motivated threats, according to state authorities.
The Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday announced that a Rapid City man is facing a felony charge for allegedly making threats to the governor’s office.
Hudson Wheeler, 28, was arrested Monday and charged with one felony count of threatening or intimidating a person holding statewide office. According to the Attorney General’s Office, an investigation led by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) determined that Wheeler made telephone calls to the Governor’s Office when the threats were made toward the governor.
“Disagreement regarding government action or inaction is our right; however, threats of any kind against public officials should not be tolerated,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a news release announcing the charge. “Public officials have a right to safety while conducting their official duties.”
Also assisting in the investigation were the South Dakota Fusion Center, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Rapid City Police Department.
Wheeler made his first court appearance Tuesday in Pennington County Circuit Court and is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His next court appearance is Feb. 19, 2025.
Rhoden became South Dakota’s 34th governor on Jan. 26 when former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned. His swearing in ceremony took place Jan. 27.
