Officials investigating death threats made against state lawmakers

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating death threats made against two state lawmakers on social media. The threat was allegedly made by Republican representatives Fred Deutsch of Florence and Representative Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids. Deutsch came forward himself claiming the threats are being investigated by the Department of Public Safety. Deutsch and Hansen have been among the most socially conservative members of the state legislature and have often been the prime sponsor or co-sponsor of some of the more controversial bills each legislative session. State law classifies a death threat as a felony.