Ohio Bartender Wanted To Kill John Boehner By Poisoning His Drink Or Shooting Him

A bartender from Ohio was indicted last week for plotting to kill House Speaker John Boehner by trying to poison his drink, according to reports citing records made public on Tuesday. The bartender, identified as Michael R. Hoyt from Cincinnati, has a history of psychiatric illness and was reportedly fired from a country club where he served drinks to Boehner.

"Hoyt told the officer he was Jesus Christ and that he was going to kill Boehner because Boehner was mean to him at the country club and because Boehner is responsible for Ebola," The Associated Press (AP) reported, citing court documents. Hoyt also told police that he "did not have time to put something in John Boehner's drink," before leaving the club.

According to a criminal complaint lodged against Hoyt, he had a loaded Beretta .380 automatic pistol and planned to shoot Boehner, who he believed was the devil, AP reported. The police took his weapon and Hoyt later volunteered to be taken to a psychiatric hospital. He is currently being held under a court order for mental evaluation and treatment.

“Speaker Boehner is aware of this situation, and sincerely thanks the FBI, the Capitol Police, and local authorities in Ohio for their efforts,” Michael Steel, a spokesperson for Boehner, said, according to Bloomberg.

The FBI and the Capitol Police said, according to the Wall Street Journal, that Hoyt’s knowledge of Boehner’s routine made him a “credible and ongoing threat.” Hoyt, who was treated for a psychotic episode two years ago, had called 911 late October and had told investigators that he had a history of mental illness and that he was fired from his bartending job at the Wetherington Golf and Country Club in West Chester, Ohio.

“It’s terrible that something like that happened,” Rep. Marcia Blackburn, R-Tenn., said, according to the Washington Times, adding: “I’m glad that the person responsible has been caught.”