Tristan Anderson, a 22-year-old man from Merrimack County, has been charged with plotting to assassinate Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire using homemade pipe bombs. According to court records, Anderson allegedly shared violent plans on Snapchat, including references to an “Israel Deep State” and antisemitic remarks such as “These Jew feds need to f—— die.”
Investigators revealed that Anderson boasted about his intentions to a roommate, displaying materials like metal tubes, nuts, bolts, and fireworks he claimed to be using for pipe bombs. The roommate reported the threats to police after Anderson allegedly described targeting Ayotte with a “weapon of mass destruction.”
Anderson was arrested on August 28 and is currently held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 20. The case emerged after a woman he messaged on Snapchat disclosed his plans, including his possession of guns and detailed discussions about constructing explosives.
Ayotte, a former senator and current governor, defeated Democrat Joyce Craig in the November election. Anderson’s arrest occurred before the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk but was only recently publicized. Authorities described the messages as part of a broader pattern of anti-government rhetoric and violent threats directed at New Hampshire officials.