Hooksett man charged with threatening Gov. Kelly Ayotte; court docs cite talk of “weapon of mass destruction”
CONCORD, N.H. — Sept. 18, 2025 — A 22-year-old Hooksett resident has been charged after allegedly threatening to kill New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and discussing plans to target her with a “weapon of mass destruction,” according to court documents described by multiple outlets Thursday. Tristan Anderson was taken into custody late last month and is being held without bail at the Merrimack County Jail, records show.
What happened
Police say the investigation began Aug. 28 when Pembroke police received a report about Snapchat messages Anderson allegedly sent to a roommate, referencing pipe-bomb components and a plan to attack the governor. A probable-cause affidavit cited by WMUR says the roommate told police Anderson showed her metal tubes and hardware he intended for explosive devices and said he was disassembling fireworks. CBS Boston reports the criminal complaint alleges Anderson “knowingly threatened to commit the crime of homicide and/or assault” against Ayotte to influence or retaliate against her official actions.
The Concord Monitor reports Anderson is banned from State House grounds while his case proceeds. He faces a misdemeanor count of criminal threatening and a felony charge of making threats or causing harm to certain government officials.
The charges, explained
Under RSA 631:4-a, it is a class B felony in New Hampshire to threaten bodily injury or any other crime against a sitting or former governor (among other officials) to influence or retaliate against that official’s duties. Criminal threatening itself is covered under RSA 631:4. Anderson has not yet been indicted; additional charges are possible as the investigation continues, according to WMUR’s review of the court filings.
What officials are saying
New Hampshire’s Attorney General’s Office declined to comment beyond the court records. WMUR reports prosecutors could seek added counts as evidence is presented to a grand jury. CBS Boston says Anderson is charged with “criminal threatening” and “harm or threats to certain government officials.”
Why it matters
The arrest lands amid a documented rise in threats and harassment aimed at local public officials nationwide. New analysis highlighted this week by WMUR’s data team, using Princeton University’s Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI) dataset, shows nearly 2,000 incidents against local officials from January 2022 through July 2025, with cases climbing sharply from 2022 to 2023 and continuing at elevated levels in 2025. BDI’s latest updates indicate 300+ incidents so far this year.
What’s next
Anderson remains jailed pending his next Superior Court appearance. Formal indictment has not yet occurred. Granite State Report will track court filings and any updates from state police or the AG’s office.
How to report suspicious activity in New Hampshire
If you see something that appears concerning, call 9-1-1. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s state page for New Hampshire also links to the online Suspicious Activity Report process and offers guidance on what details to include when reporting. The New Hampshire Information & Analysis Center (NHIAC) — a joint operation of State Police and Homeland Security & Emergency Management — can also receive tips about suspicious behavior.
Sources & research
WMUR: “Arrest made in connection with alleged threats against Gov. Kelly Ayotte” (court-document details, status of case).
Concord Monitor: “Hooksett man arrested for threats against Gov. Ayotte” (charges, custody status, State House ban).
CBS Boston (WBZ): “22-year-old man charged with threatening to kill New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte” (criminal complaint language).
New Hampshire statutes: RSA 631:4-a (Harm or Threats to Certain Government Officials) and Chapter 631 overview.
WMUR data feature & Princeton BDI: Trends showing a rise in threats and harassment against local officials; BDI Threats & Harassment Dataset (monthly updates).
DHS “If You See Something, Say Something” (NH reporting page; how to report suspicious activity).
This is a developing story. Granite State Report will update as new information becomes available from court records and law enforcement.
