A Minnesota state senator was recently caught in a compromising situation, and the internet is unsurprised. The senator, named Justin Eichorn, was arrested allegedly trying to meet with a teenager and will be charged with soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Eichorn had communicated with a detective, whom he thought was a 16-year-old girl, and they planned to meet. However, when he arrived at the meeting location, the Republican senator was immediately arrested.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the case is yet to be filed for official charging. However, Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges released a statement condemning the senator’s actions.
“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.”
Eichorn has been identified as one of the senators who proposed the “Trump Derangement Syndrome” bill. The senator, along with four others, suggested that the syndrome should be officially identified as a mental illness.
According to the proposed bill, the syndrome refers to the use of extremely hostile words against the president. It also includes participating in violent acts towards the president, his supporters, and any symbol he identifies with.
Following Eichorn’s arrest, some politicians have come forward to express disappointment, condemn his actions, and demand his resignation.
“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,” the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus said, per USA Today.
“The felony allegation against Senator Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents,” Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy added.
People of the public have also reacted to the suspect’s arrest with outrage, particularly because Eichorn often presented himself as a family man. They called for punishment and likened him to his leader, Donald Trump.
“He’s just following his leader. He wanted to be a felon too,” one person said. “Every accusation from MAGA is projection/confession,” another person added.
“Turns out Trump devotion syndrome makes you a pedophile. Who could’ve seen that very obvious thing,” one person said. “Lol, the same guy who is trying to classify TDS as a mental illness’ in MN. It’s always the ones you most expect,” another one chimed in.
On the other hand, one person believes the problem needs to be tackled from the source. “We need to start a movement to stop Republican legislators from thinking about children at all. That’s where these problems stem from,” the commenter said.
Eichorn’s legislative assistant to comment on the case, and the accused is yet to make an official statement.
