Former broadcast meteorologist and current Democratic Senator Nicole Mitchell of Minnesota has been arrested on burglary charges. The charges stem from an incident at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes, where Mitchell allegedly broke in to retrieve sentimental items belonging to her late father, including his ashes. According to the complaint filed in Becker County District Court, Mitchell, dressed in all black and wearing a hat, entered the home through a basement window that had been propped open with a backpack containing her identification and personal belongings.
Mitchell told police that she was attempting to retrieve pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items, but her stepmother had cut off contact with her and refused to communicate. The complaint indicates that it was the possession of her father’s ashes that had escalated the situation.
The stepmother expressed fear towards Mitchell and has filed for a restraining order against her. She also stated that while the majority of her husband’s ashes were buried, she had sent a small container of them to Mitchell.
Mitchell’s arrest has come as a surprise to Senate leaders, who issued a statement acknowledging the situation but declined to comment further pending more information. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Johnson expressed shock and stated that consequences should be commensurate with the actions, both legally and within her legislative role.
Mitchell’s arrest has raised concerns for Senate Democrats, who hold a slim one-seat majority with just under four weeks remaining in the legislative session. Her absence could make it challenging to pass legislation lacking bipartisan support.
Prior to her election to the Senate in 2022, Mitchell worked as a meteorologist with the U.S. military, KSTP-TV, and Minnesota Public Radio. She is also a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, commanding a weather unit.
