Ohio Bartender Accused of Plotting to Kill House Speaker John Boehner

A former bartender of House Speaker John Boehner plotted to kill him, federal authorities claim, according to a new report.

Michael Robert Hoyt was arrested and indicted on charges related to an alleged plot that involved poisoning Boehner’s drink, or shooting him and driving off, WCPO reported Tuesday. Authorities said Hoyt, who had worked at a country club that Boehner frequented for five years, called 9-1-1 in October after he was fired and blamed his troubles on the Ohio Republican.

Hoyt allegedly told the operator he was Jesus Christ and accused Boehner of being responsible for the Ebola outbreak. The 44-year-old is also said to have noted that voices told him Boehner was evil, and that he had a loaded Beretta .380 automatic ready to use against him. At the time, police placed him on a 72-hour psychiatric hold.

Boehner’s spokesman Michael Steel released a statement Tuesday, saying “Speaker Boehner is aware of this situation, and sincerely thanks the FBI, the Capitol Police and local authorities in Ohio for their efforts.”

[WCPO]