PARK RAPIDS — A 58-year-old rural Park Rapids man already charged with two felony counts of terroristic threats against state lawmakers is now charged with a third.
In an amended criminal complaint filed Sunday, March 8, prosecutors now allege John Tobias threatened state Rep. Krista Knudsen, R-Lake Shore. Knudsen serves District 5A, which includes Park Rapids and portions of Becker, Cass, Hubbard and Wadena counties.
Following Tobias’ arraignment on Feb. 25, Knudsen gave a recorded statement to investigators. She said she began receiving correspondence from Tobias and his wife in 2023, and that the correspondence became increasingly hostile over time.
On Feb. 11, a person who identified themselves as John Tobias left a voicemail with Knudsen’s legislative assistant, stating in part:
"If I don't get my money back by the end of this week I'm gonna come find all of you and kill every one of you f***ers for treason, crimes against humanity, fraud, theft, ah, the list goes on and on. Every motherf***** in this government is f***ing dead when I'm f***ing through."
Tobias was initially charged following an investigation by Minnesota Capitol Police and the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 24. Investigators determined Tobias made a threatening Facebook post to Republican state Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen and made a threatening phone call to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where he threatened to “execute” everyone in the state’s Capitol buildings.
In the threats, Tobias claimed the COVID-19 pandemic-related shutdowns were unconstitutional and cost him $1.4 million. In a search warrant of Tobias’ residence, the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office seized nine firearms and 45 boxes of ammunition.
Tobias is currently out of jail on a $150,000 bond, and his next court appearance is June 1.
-
And: Four Northland organizations recieve child care grants; men encouraged to wear sunscreen and get skin checks; and Eveleth plans to replace the "Big Stick." -
Contributed/InciWebThe U.S. Forest Service is also banning campfires amid dry conditions. The closures and campfire ban go into effect July 11, 2026. -
And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.
-
Contributed/Koochiching Soil and Water Conservation DistrictThe plan will guide the implementation of voluntary conservation projects and programs in the northeastern Minnesota watershed over the next decade. -
Contributed/Towfiqu barbhuiya via PexelsA foundation coordinating with local partners says the opioid crisis isn't over, and a new Minnesota grant is an example of the urgency felt in preventing youth tragedies. -
Contributed/Tom Neustrom Fishing Promotions Facebook PageThe Grand Rapids area fishing guide and former Itasca County deputy died in his home on July 5, 2026. He contributed to the Minnesota fishing community in numerous ways. -
Contributed/Itasca County Sheriff's OfficeBruce Larson was reported missing July 9, 2026, in the Wabana area, north of Grand Rapids. He was found safe later that morning. -
And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law
-
Contributed/Carlton County Board Meeting Recording / CivicMediaA motion was started at the Carlton County Committee of the Whole meeting July 7, 2026, for an interim ordinance on the development of data centers. -
Plus: Second Harvest Northland selects a new site for the Grand Rapids Food Shelf; and the St. Louis County Landfill may get double the trash with expansion in the five-county region.
