Rowland Kpakete, Author at Tribune Online

Senator Justin Eichorn, 40, was arrested on March 17 in Bloomington. According to the Bloomington Police Department, he had been sexually communicating with an individual he believed to be a 16-year-old girl. A detective arranged to meet him that day near the 8300 block of Normandale Boulevard in Bloomington. Eichorn arrived at the location in a pickup truck, where he was taken into custody and booked into jail. While he has not been formally charged, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office stated that felony charges for soliciting a minor to engage in prostitution are pending. Eichorn, a Republican, is married with four children, as noted in his Minnesota State Senate biography. Earlier in the week, he gained attention for sponsoring a bill that sought to classify "Trump derangement syndrome" as a mental illness. Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges issued a statement regarding the arrest, saying, “As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up." He continued, "I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses. The recent case involving Michael Gillis who was arrested in Bloomington is a prime example of why we need stronger penalties. We need our state legislature to take this case and this type of conduct more seriously.” Following the arrest, lawmakers from both parties have distanced themselves from Eichorn and called for his resignation. Minnesota Senate Republican leadership released a statement on Tuesday, saying, “We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.” ALSO READ UNICEF reiterates commitment to providing technical support to Bauchi communities MN GOP Chair Alex Plechasha also called for his resignation, stating, “As Republicans, we hold elected officials to a higher standard. While Senator Eichorn is entitled to due process, the seriousness of these charges warrants his resignation. Public trust and accountability must come first.” Minnesota House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) and leader Rep. Harry Niska (R-Ramsey) released a joint statement, saying, “Given the seriousness of the charges, Sen. Eichorn should resign. While he is entitled to due process, we must hold legislators to a higher standard.” Democratic lawmakers echoed these sentiments. Minnesota DFL Executive Director Heidi Kraus Kaplan stated, “No one who solicits children belongs anywhere near public office or the State Capitol. The facts presented by the Bloomington Police Department make it clear that Senator Eichorn is an immediate danger to the public and must resign immediately.” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) also commented on the situation, saying, “The felony allegation against Sen. Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents.” With the Minnesota Senate currently holding a 34-33 majority in favor of DFL members, Eichorn’s resignation would further shift the balance of power toward Democratic lawmakers. Meanwhile, the trial of Minnesota DFL State Senator Nicole Mitchell, who was charged in April 2024 with burglary in Detroit Lakes, remains on hold until the legislative session concludes. “The Senate has a responsibility to hold itself to the highest standards,” Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson previously stated in reference to the decision to delay any action on Mitchell’s case. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE (FOX9)