Jonathan D. Miller, a Libertarian candidate for North Carolina’s 16th Senate District, was arrested Monday afternoon without shots fired following an armed standoff with law enforcement that he live-posted on social media. The incident occurred in Cary, a suburb of Raleigh.
Miller initially posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Sunday night indicating suicidal intentions. When police arrived at his apartment Monday morning, he refused an order to keep his hands away from a pistol on his hip and fled into nearby woods, according to WRAL.
He continued to post updates as police pursued him. In one post, Miller stated he had "6 rounds and the high ground" and expressed hope that police would not find him, while also suggesting a confrontation would be "a hell of a show." He later wrote that he had been "boxed in" by officers and that the presence of police dogs meant he was likely "done for."
Miller, who identified himself as a carpenter and former small business owner, is running against a Democratic incumbent and a Republican candidate in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
In a statement to WRAL, Miller explained that his initial posts stemmed from a period of depression and suicidal thoughts. He described waking up Monday, making coffee, and encountering a police officer while smoking a cigarette. The officer, recognizing him, noticed his holstered revolver and ordered him to keep his hands away from it. Miller stated he refused the order, backed away, and then ran into the woods.
Authorities took Miller into custody later that afternoon, concluding the hours-long standoff. No shots were fired during the incident.