Minot PD: Man accused of threatening hospital found with firearms, possible explosives

A Minot man who allegedly made online threats toward a local hospital was arrested today (Wed), as authorities found guns and suspected explosive devices in his possession.

Police say 36-year-old David Wierenga was arrested at his place of employment for felony terrorizing… and misdemeanor menacing and harassment.

After the arrest, authorities found a firearm in Wierenga’s vehicle … plus seven more firearms and two suspected explosive devices at his residence.

The Minot Police Bomb Team and a Minot Air Force E-O-D team secured the devices.

Wierenga was also charged with two felony counts of Unlawful Possession of an Explosive Device … and eight misdemeanor counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Due to a previous court order, Wierenga was prohibited from owning a firearm.

Wierenga was transported to Ward County Jail.

His first court appearance is scheduled Thursday afternoon.

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Minot PD release:

The continued investigation of online threats made towards Trinity Hospital has led to the arrest of 36-year-old David Wierenga of Minot. On June 7, 2022 at 11:15AM, Wierenga was located at his place of employment in SE Minot. He was arrested without incident for Terrorizing (Class C Felony), Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor), and Harassment (Class A Misdemeanor) stemming for the original threat. After the arrest, a continued investigation led to a search of Wierenga’s vehicle and subsequent search of his residence in NW Minot. A firearm was located in Wierenga’s vehicle with an additional seven firearms located and seized from his residence. Two suspected explosive devices were also located at the residence. The Minot PD Bomb Team, with the assistance of Minot Air Force EOD, secured the devices.

Wierenga was additionally charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of an Explosive Device (Class C Felony) and eight counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class A Misdemeanor). Wierenga was prohibited from owning a firearm due to a previous court order. He was transported to Ward County Jail where he is awaiting his initial appearance.