A Minnesota gubernatorial candidate has dropped out of the race after his daughter was found stabbed to death inside her home.
Hallie Marie Tobler, 22, the daughter of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson, was dead from multiple stab wounds inside her apartment at around 8.20pm on Saturday, police in St. Cloud said.
Her husband, Dylan Tobler, 23, also sustained life-threatening injuries – but officers believe his ‘injuries are self-inflicted and that he is the person responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death,’ noting that they were found inside a locked apartment.
As of Sunday night, Dylan was reported in stable condition at St. Cloud Hospital, where he was in police custody, MPR News reports.
Charges against him are now pending, as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assists local authorities in its investigation.
In the meantime, the Republican Party of Minnesota announced that Johnson has suspended his campaign.
In a statement on the family tragedy, an update said party members are ‘heartbroken’ by the loss.
‘There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,’ party officials said in a statement. ‘The loss of a child is unimaginable and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.
‘Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for governor of Minnesota,’ they continued.
‘We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.’
Hallie Tobler, 22, was found stabbed to death inside her St. Cloud, Minnesota apartment, with her husband, Dylan Tobler, 23, also facing life-threatening injuries. Police now believe he ‘is the person responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death’
Hallie was the daughter of Jeff Johnson, a former St Cloud City Council member who was running for governor
Johnson, a former St Cloud City Council member, was campaigning to succeed embattled Governor Tim Walz on a platform focused on fraud, crime and economic trouble, the St. Cloud Times reports.
He faced a crowded Republican field, which included MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and retired MMA fighter Brad Kohler, and received less than one percent of the vote in the state’s caucus earlier this month.
Following the news of his daughter’s untimely death, several of his former opponents shared their condolences.
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, for example, issued a statement saying that ‘the Johnson family is walking through an unspeakable tragedy right now and my prayers are with them every step of the way.
‘As a parent, I can’t imagine the grief and devastation they’re experiencing right now,’ she continued, asking her followers to ‘Please join me in keeping the Johnsons in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate a situation that no family should have to endure.’
Another Republican gubernatorial candidate Peggy Bennett issued a statement Monday saying she ‘cannot even imagine the heartbreak and sorrow that Jeff and his family are experiencing right now.
‘My heart breaks for them,’ she said. ‘I am holding Jeff and his family up in prayer during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.’
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is widely viewed as the frontrunner in the governor’s race, shared her condolences on X
Minnesota Representative Kristin Robbins, who was also running against Johnson in the primary, wrote on X: ‘I am heartbroken for Jeff and his family over this horrifying tragedy. I can’t imagine their grief.’
‘Please join Brent and me in praying for Jeff and his family. May God be their refuge and strength in the days ahead.’
Even Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is widely viewed as the frontrunner in the governor’s race, shared her condolences.
She said she and her husband ‘are praying for all those who loved [Hallie] during this unimaginably difficult time.’
