MN Man Threatened To Kill Church Musicians As ‘Payback’ For Charlie Kirk’s Assassination: Prosecutors

MAPLE GROVE, MN — A 64-year-old man from Mora, Minnesota, is facing felony charges in both Hennepin and Ramsey counties after prosecutors say he sent a series of violent emails blaming liberals for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and threatening to kill Twin Cities church musicians.

According to the complaints, John Allan Sandeen Jr., 64,repeatedly wrote that "liberals" and two music directors, identified as JK and PB, were responsible for Kirk’s death.

He accused the men of "killing my friend Charlie" and promised revenge. The threats included graphic descriptions of mutilation and warnings that “all your liberal left-leaning people are now targets.”

Complaints Tie Threats To Charlie Kirk’s Death

Ramsey County prosecutors charged Sandeen with felony stalking and one count of threats of violence, citing emails he sent beginning Sept. 12 to JK, the longtime music director at White Bear Lake Methodist Church.

Days earlier, Sandeen had attended a Beatles tribute concert at the church where band members made light political comments.

Soon after, Sandeen wrote JK that musicians should "shut up and play" and warned that PB, another church music director, "is going to be with Charlie Kirk."

In later messages, Sandeen escalated, saying JK’s "liberal bulls*** lies" were to blame for Kirk’s assassination. He threatened to break JK’s fingers, cut PB’s throat, and described himself as “Jeremiah Johnson” ready for war.

JK told police he feared for his life and the safety of his church members.

Hennepin County Charges

In Hennepin County, Sandeen faces four felony counts of threats of violence after PB reported receiving direct emails on Sept. 15. One read: "It’s fair game to let the hunted know that they are hunted. You are now advised."

Another threatened to decapitate PB.

Other messages made clear the political motive, prosecutors said.

In one, Sandeen declared: "All your liberal left-leaning people are now targets. You people killed my friend with your rhetoric. Now it is pay back time you better f***ing hide."

Arrest And Bail

Police arrested Sandeen at an airport hangar in Rush City on Sept. 17. Searches of his truck and hangar turned up phones, tablets, ammunition, and shotgun shells. He admitted to sending some of the emails but claimed he was drunk and "said some crazy s***."

Judges in both counties have ordered him held on $200,000 bail. Prosecutors noted in court filings that Sandeen has told others he has lung cancer, "nothing to lose," and no family ties.