The alleged killer posted his $50,000 bond.
QUICK FACTS:
- The North Dakota man who allegedly admitted to fatally striking a teenage pedestrian with his car over “a political argument” was released from jail on Tuesday after posting a $50,000 bond.
- Shannon Brandt, 41, spent just a few days in the Stutsman County jail after the death of 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson.
- Brandt’s arrest happened early Sunday after he told state first responders that “he struck the pedestrian because [he] was threatening him,” according to the affidavit used to arrest him.
- “Brandt stated that the pedestrian called some people and Brandt was afraid they were coming to get him,” the document continues. “Brandt admitted to State Radio that he hit the pedestrian and that the pedestrian was part of a Republican extremist group.”
- The seemingly mentally competent middle-aged man seemed to not understand the charges or why his bail was set at $50,000 according to some reports.
REPUBLICAN OUTCRY:
- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and others have spoken out about the violent consequences of the political divide in this nation, with Paul calling on President Joe Biden to pay attention to the issue.
- “Words can have violent consequences,” Paul, who was the victim of political violence in 2020, told reporters in a statement. “President Biden needs to realize that his vilification of his opponents is inflaming some of his supporters to violence. As a victim of political violence, both sides need to recognize the consequences of heated rhetoric.”
- Rep. Steve Scalise (R) who was previously shot by an angry politically motivated shooter while playing baseball with fellow Republicans called on Biden to condemn “leftist violence” after the death of the teen.
- “It’s outrageous and tragic that once again we are seeing another example of leftist violence,” said Scalise who almost died due to his attack. “I know firsthand the consequences that can result from violent political rhetoric, and my prayers are with Cayler’s family. People from all parties should condemn political violence when it happens, and I would encourage President Biden and other Democrat leaders to equally condemn this heinous act.”
BACKGROUND:
- As American Faith previously reported, Shannon Brandt, 41, called 911 in McHenry, North Dakota to report that he had hit a pedestrian with his vehicle early Sunday.
- Local news reported that he allegedly admitted to the dispatcher that he ran down 18-year-old Cayler Ellingson of Grace City with his vehicle in an alleyway.
- The alleged killer said he chased down the pedestrian because he “was part of a Republican extremist group and that he was afraid they were ‘coming to get him.’”
