Minnesota State Senator Arrested, Colleagues Call for Resignation

Arrest and Charges Against Senator Justin Eichorn

On Monday, Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn, a 40-year-old Republican from Grand Rapids, was arrested by the Bloomington Police Department for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution. According to a police statement, Eichorn was caught in a sting operation where detectives interacted with a man who believed he was communicating with a 16-year-old girl. Following the interaction, Eichorn was arrested without incident outside his vehicle. He is currently being held at the Bloomington jail and is expected to be transferred to the Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis. As of Tuesday, it was unclear if Eichorn had hired an attorney or spoken with investigators. Jail staff declined to take messages for him. A felony charge of soliciting a minor for prostitution is pending, though the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office confirmed it has not yet received the case for review.

Eichorn, who is married with four children, has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2016. His Senate profile lists his profession as an entrepreneur, and he has been a prominent figure in the Republican caucus. However, his chair at a Tuesday hearing of the environment committee he chairs remained empty, signaling the political fallout that has already begun.

Republican Colleagues Demand Resignation

Fellow Republicans were swift in their response to the allegations, calling for Eichorn’s immediate resignation. In a joint statement, Senate Republicans expressed shock and disappointment, stating, “This alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family.” House Republicans echoed the call, emphasizing that Eichorn’s resignation was necessary to uphold the integrity of the state legislature.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leaders took a more measured approach, stopping short of demanding Eichorn’s resignation outright. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy of St. Paul issued a statement calling the allegations “deeply disturbing” and emphasizing that the legal process must unfold. This stance mirrors the Democrats’ response to a similar situation involving one of their own members, Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who was arrested last spring on a burglary charge. Democratic leaders have consistently argued that lawmakers should be allowed to go through the legal process before facing political consequences.

Law Enforcement Speaks Out

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges was less reserved in his criticism of Eichorn. He released a sharp statement condemning the senator’s actions, 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.” Hodges also called for stricter penalties for such offenses, urging the state legislature to take these types of crimes more seriously. His comments reflect a broader frustration among law enforcement and the public over the prevalence of exploitation and abuse.

Context and Reactions

Eichorn’s arrest has sent shockwaves through Minnesota’s political landscape, with many questioning how someone in a position of public trust could face such serious allegations. The case has also sparked debates about accountability within the legislature and the need for stronger protections for minors. While Eichorn’s colleagues and law enforcement have been vocal in their condemnation, some have raised concerns about the potential for false accusations and the importance of due process.

Moving Forward

As the legal process unfolds, Eichorn’s political future hangs in the balance. His absence from public duties and the calls for his resignation have already strained his relationships within the Senate GOP caucus. Meanwhile, his constituents and the broader public are left grappling with the implications of his alleged actions. Whether Eichorn will be able to return to his role or face political and personal ruin remains to be seen. for now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes of public office and the need for accountability at all levels of government.