Armed Libertarian Live-Tweets Manhunt, Taunts Cops During Pursuit

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Jonathan D. Miller, an armed Libertarian state Senate candidate in North Carolina, live-tweeted an hours-long manhunt through the woods, taunting the police who were chasing him with guns drawn. Miller, the Libertarian nominee for the state’s 16th Senate District, was arrested after a standoff that began as a welfare check following his suicidal threats.

Live-Tweeted Pursuit and Taunts

Miller posted updates on X, describing the foot pursuit and giving followers a blow-by-blow account of how close the police were to catching him. He wrote, “I’ve got six shots and the high ground. I hope they don’t find me, but if they do it’s going to be a hell of a show.” The posts came after Miller had written Sunday evening that he intended to kill himself, saying he could no longer endure his suffering.

Police began monitoring the messages and attempted to check on his welfare Monday morning. When an officer encountered Miller outside his home, he had a firearm and ran into nearby woods. Miller described the encounter himself during calls to local television station WRAL, stating he had decided not to kill himself and had encountered the officer while making coffee and smoking a cigarette.

Standoff and Resolution

During the standoff, Miller continued posting updates, at one point describing a phone conversation with a negotiator that he believed had allowed police to surround him. He wrote, “F*ck they almost got me. While I was distracted talking with him on the phone they were moving in around me. Luckily I spotted one of them and took off.” Around 2 p.m., he posted: “I f*cked up and talked to the negotiator on the phone long enough for them to box me in. They have dogs so I’m probably done for.”

Police took Miller into custody shortly after 3 p.m., with no injuries reported. Police Chief Terry Sult said Miller was “in a dark place” and “felt like he was on his last leg.” Chase Oliver, the Libertarian Party’s 2024 presidential nominee, urged Miller to surrender during the pursuit.

Context and Election Timing

Miller, who describes himself as a carpenter and former small-business owner, is running against Democrat state Sen. Gale Adcock and Republican nominee Philip Hensley. The pursuit occurred eight days before Election Day. The incident highlights the intersection of mental health, political candidacy, and public safety.

Source: Daily Wire