Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker spoke to the big crowd at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” event Saturday at the Central Iowa Expo east of Boone. The event was marred by two separate bomb threats, which are now being investigated by the Iowa State Patrol. (Prezography Photo)
By Bob Eschliman
Editor
Although no one is officially talking about two bomb threats made against U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s inaugural “Roast and Ride” event held Saturday at the Central Iowa Expo east of Boone, the Iowa State Patrol confirms an investigation is now underway.
In response to a public records request for recordings of the threats, incident reports, and communications with federal law enforcement authorities, ISP public information officer Sgt. Nathan Ludwig said:
“We are in possession of the recording and are conducting an analysis of the content. This is currently an ongoing investigation and until such time, this information will not be available.”
Iowa Code 22.7(5) allows law enforcement to withhold such information in the event of an ongoing investigation. ISP’s response indicates an investigation is underway. The Iowa Statesman will continue to follow its progress.
According to Ludwig, the first threat was made by telephone to the ISP Communications Center at 12:37 p.m. Saturday, while the event was underway. He said he did not have additional information regarding the second call, which was allegedly made against Big Barn Harley Davidson in Des Moines, where the motorcycle ride kicking off Ernst’s event began.
Breitbart News is the only national media outlet to have reported on the incident, so far. It followed its initial reporting up today with a new report on the apparent media silence over the incident. Presidential candidates who were at the event, as well as Ernst’s communications team, have been asked for their comment; this article will be updated if they respond.
The incident and response are concerning because the Central Iowa Expo is slated to host the Republican Party of Iowa’s presidential Iowa Straw Poll on Aug. 8. The event – a big moneymaker in the past for the Iowa GOP – has been on life support for months with questions over its relevance, the bidding process that led to its selection, and the likely absence of most – if not all – of the top-tier candidates.
RPI executive director Chad Olsen has not yet responded to requests regarding security for the Iowa Straw Poll. This article will be updated if he responds.
Keep checking www.theiowastatesman.com for updates on this developing story.
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