Libertarian Senate Candidate Arrested After Armed Standoff Near School

Police arrested Jonathan Miller, a Libertarian candidate for the North Carolina state Senate, on Monday afternoon after an hours-long armed standoff near a private school. The confrontation ended without shots fired, concluding a tense day that began with Miller posting cryptic messages on social media.

The incident started Sunday night when Miller posted messages suggesting he was considering suicide. These posts went viral, reaching millions of users. Police received calls from concerned members of the public based on these messages. Officers attempted to check on Miller’s welfare on Monday morning.

During the initial encounter, Miller was carrying a firearm. Police ordered him not to touch the weapon, but he fled into the woods. He was near Resurrection Lutheran School, a private K-8 institution. The school placed students and staff under a code yellow lockdown for part of the day while officers searched the area. Police urged pedestrians and motorists to avoid the surroundings due to the risk to the public.

Miller, who is challenging a Democratic incumbent, posted updates on X throughout the morning. Around 9:38 a.m., he wrote, "The whole police department is chasing me with guns drawn. This should be fun." He added, "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."

Chase Oliver, the 2024 Libertarian presidential nominee, pleaded with Miller to surrender. At 10:04 a.m., Miller responded that he had "reached the tree line." He also told another user who offered money that he had "gave away all [his] money to charity" and did not want theirs.

WRAL, a local NBC affiliate, spoke with Miller by phone during the standoff. He explained that he was depressed and suicidal the previous night and posted a note that became viral. "I spent all night crying, and angry and upset, and depressed, and all the emotions," Miller said. He described making coffee and going outside for a cigarette when a police officer approached him. The officer knew his name and saw the revolver on his hip.

Miller said the officer drew his weapon and told him to keep his hands away from his gun. Miller stated he refused the order and backed away slowly. He then turned and ran into the woods. Around 1:46 p.m., Miller posted that a negotiator was distracting him by phone while officers moved in. He claimed he spotted one officer and took off.

Law enforcement closed in on Miller around 3 p.m. and arrested him without incident. Cary Police Chief Terry Sult stated that Miller had a warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Miller was charged with communicating threats, resisting a public officer, going armed to the terror of the people, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina said it was aware of the situation and thanked law enforcement for pursuing a solution without violence. Miller is running on a platform that includes weakening legal protections for police, repealing drug laws, and reducing economic regulations.