CRIME & LAW

Minnesota woman pleads guilty for voicemails threatening speaker

PUBLISHED Jul 8, 2026, 2:10 PM ET

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Minnesota resident Rachel Marie Welsch, 43, pleaded guilty this year to one count of threats of violence after leaving a series of violent voicemails for Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth earlier this year. Prosecutors allege the calls occurred in January and February and referenced firearms and the speaker's lack of protective barriers. Under a plea agreement announced this week, Welsch is expected to receive five years of probation and could face up to 90 days in county jail; sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10. Prosecutors charged her in February after voicemails during Operation Metro Surge prompted public backlash, and court records quote messages calling Demuth a 'traitor' and 'racist.'

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Operation Metro Surge occurred and drew public backlash earlier this year.
January–February: Rachel Welsch left multiple threatening voicemails for Speaker Lisa Demuth.
February: Prosecutors charged Welsch with threats of violence.
This year: Welsch pleaded guilty to one count of threats of violence under a plea agreement.
Sept. 10: Welsch is scheduled to be sentenced.

News Intelligence

This case underscores the importance of safety in our political discourse. Threats of violence against public officials are a serious crime, impacting the democratic process. Keep conversations civil and report any threats you encounter.

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