North Carolina Senate Candidate Arrested After Standoff and Social Media Posts
Libertarian candidate Jonathan D. Miller faces charges including communicating threats and resisting officers following a day-long incident that prompted a school lockdown.
A North Carolina Libertarian Party candidate for the state Senate was arrested Monday afternoon after an hours-long standoff with police, during which he made a series of social media posts detailing his interactions with law enforcement. Jonathan D. Miller was taken into custody around 3 p.m. in Cary.
Standoff and Social Media Activity
Police were initially called to Miller's apartment for a welfare check at approximately 8:26 a.m. after he posted on social media about feeling suicidal the previous night. According to Police Chief Terry Sult, officers found Miller with a firearm upon arrival. Miller was reportedly ordered not to touch the weapon but fled into the woods behind his apartment complex, prompting the deployment of a SWAT team and negotiators.
During the standoff, Miller continued to post on social media, describing the police pursuit and his motivations. In one post, he wrote, "The whole police department is chasing me with guns drawn. This should be fun." Another post stated, "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."
Miller also contacted WRAL news to share his account, stating he had been depressed and suicidal but had decided not to kill himself that morning. He explained that when he went outside for a cigarette, an officer approached him, noticed the revolver on his hip, and drew his weapon. Miller stated he refused the officer's order to keep his hands away, backed away, and then ran into the woods.
He later posted about police closing in, noting, "They almost got me" and "I'm probably done for" after search dogs were deployed. The incident concluded without any injuries.
Charges and Background
Following his arrest, Miller was charged by the Cary Police Department with communicating threats, resisting officers, and going armed to the terror of people. He is being held at the Wake County Detention Center.
Police Chief Terry Sult noted that Miller "felt like he was on his last leg" and thanked WRAL for speaking with the candidate, as the monitored conversations provided police with additional insight into Miller's mindset.
Court records indicate Miller has prior convictions for cyberstalking in 2015 and for Delivery or Sale of a Scheduled VI Controlled Substance in 2017. It remains unclear what will happen with his campaign for the state Senate seat, currently held by Democratic Sen. Gale Adcock. Republican Philip Hensley is also running for the seat.
The Libertarian Party of North Carolina released a statement acknowledging the situation, expressing gratitude for its peaceful resolution, and commending the Cary Police Department for its professional response. The party stated it would have no further comment.
For those in need of support, the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 in the U.S., or through an online chat at 988lifeline.org.