Democratic State Senator Nicole Mitchell, a former broadcast meteorologist, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree burglary in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Mitchell, 49, is being held in the Becker County Jail and formal charges were pending. More information on the incident and her potential attorney were not immediately available. Mitchell’s arrest comes during the Senate’s Passover break, causing uncertainty for Senate Democrats who hold a narrow majority with just a few weeks left in the legislative session.
Mitchell previously worked as a meteorologist in the U.S. military, at KSTP-TV, and Minnesota Public Radio before being elected to the Senate in 2022. She serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and previously worked for The Weather Channel. The arrest occurred after a homeowner called 911 to report an active burglary in progress at her residence. Mitchell was arrested at the scene, but details of the investigation and possible motives were not provided due to ongoing investigations.
The County Attorney’s office has not filed a complaint detailing the allegations, and Mitchell’s father had recently passed away, while her stepmother lived on the same block where the senator was arrested. The stepmother did not comment on the situation. Senate leaders were surprised by Mitchell’s arrest, with the Senate Democratic Caucus stating they were aware of the situation but had no further comment at the time. Republican Senate Majority Leader, Mark Johnson, expressed shock at the news and emphasized the expectation for legislators to uphold high standards of conduct, emphasizing the consequences that may follow in both the legal system and her role in the legislature.
