A Minnesota state senator who recently proposed a controversial bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Senator Justin Eichorn
A 40-year-old Republican was taken into custody by Bloomington police after allegedly arranging to meet what he believed was a 17-year-old girl. Instead, authorities say he had been communicating with undercover detectives posing as the minor.
Eichorn, who is married with four children according to his biography on the Minnesota Senate website, now faces felony charges for soliciting a minor for prostitution.
“If you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up,” said Booker Hodges, a spokesperson for the Bloomington police department, in a firm statement following the arrest.
The Minnesota Senate GOP quickly responded, calling for Eichorn’s immediate resignation. “These reports are deeply disturbing. Justin has a difficult road ahead, and he needs to focus on his family,” the caucus said in an official statement. The Republican Party of Minnesota echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the “seriousness” of the charges and urging Eichorn to step down.
This scandal comes just days after Eichorn co-authored a bill that sought to label “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a legitimate mental disorder. The term, commonly used by Trump supporters to mock liberals critical of the former president, was the focus of the proposed legislation.
The bill defined the so-called syndrome as “the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump.” According to the text, symptoms included “Trump-induced general hysteria, an inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and perceived psychic pathology in President Trump’s behavior.” The bill also suggested that “intense hostility” toward Trump and “acts of aggression against his supporters” could be indicators of the disorder.
Eichorn’s bill gained national attention, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and mental health advocates alike. State Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy denounced the measure, calling it “possibly the worst bill in Minnesota history.” She added, “If it’s a joke, it wastes time and trivializes real mental health issues. If it’s serious, it’s an affront to free speech and an expression of a dangerous level of loyalty to an authoritarian president.”
Now, in light of Eichorn’s arrest, the focus has shifted from his controversial legislation to the serious criminal charges he faces. His political future appears uncertain as calls for his resignation mount, and the investigation into his alleged crimes continues.