South Dakota DPS investigating death threats made toward two state lawmakers

February 15, 2023

Mike Tanner

PIERRE, S.D.–The South Dakota Department of Public Safety is investigating death threats directed toward two state lawmakers, one of which is Republican Representative Fred Deutsch of Florence.

Deutsch confirmed to KWAT News the threat against him was made on a Twitter post.

The other lawmaker targeted was Republican Representative Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids.

Deutsch made a post on social media Monday night showing him celebrating with a group of people after Governor Noem signed a bill that prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender people under the age of 18.

Department of Public Safety spokesman Tony Mangan would not speak to the specifics of the threat, and says the department does not discuss security issues publicly.

Deutsch and Hansen are two of the most supportive lawmakers when it comes to socially conservative legislation.