Miller arrested after hours-long armed standoff near Raleigh school

Jonathan Miller, a Libertarian candidate for the North Carolina state Senate, was arrested Monday afternoon after a multi-hour armed standoff that left a private school under lockdown. Police confirmed no shots were fired during the confrontation, which ended with Miller’s capture without incident. The incident began early in the day when Miller, who is challenging a Democratic incumbent, began posting cryptic messages on X that alarmed the public and local law enforcement.

Around 9:38 a.m., Miller wrote that the entire police department was chasing him with guns drawn. He stated he had six shots and the high ground, adding that he hoped they would not find him but that it would be a "hell of a show" if they did. By 10:04 a.m., he responded to the 2024 Libertarian presidential nominee Chase Oliver, who had pleaded with him to surrender, by claiming he had "reached the tree line." Miller also told a user who offered him money that he had given away all his cash to charity and did not want theirs.

Cary Police Chief Terry Sult said officers initially received calls from concerned members of the public after Miller posted messages Sunday night suggesting he was considering suicide. Officers attempted to check on his welfare Monday morning. During that encounter, they found Miller carrying a firearm. Chief Sult noted that Miller had an active warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Police said Miller fled after being ordered not to touch the weapon.

Miller spoke to WRAL, a local NBC affiliate, during the standoff to explain his actions. He said he was depressed and suicidal the night before and had posted a suicide note on X that went viral. He estimated that millions of people had seen the post, compared to his usual 50 views. Miller described waking up tired but determined to handle his tasks. He said he made coffee, took two sips, and went outside for a cigarette. A police officer approached him, recognized his name, and saw a holstered revolver on his hip. The officer drew his weapon and told Miller to keep his hands away from his. Miller said he refused the order, backed away slowly until he was far enough to turn, and then ran into the woods.

The standoff took place near Resurrection Lutheran School, a private K-8 institution. Local reports indicated the school placed a code yellow lockdown for part of Monday while police searched the area. Police urged pedestrians and motorists to avoid the surroundings, expressing concern for the safety of the public. Around 1:46 p.m., Miller posted to X that a hostage negotiator had called him. He claimed that while he was distracted talking to the officer, police were moving in around him. He said he spotted one of them and took off.

Law enforcement closed in on Miller around 3 p.m. and arrested him. He faces four charges: communicating threats, resisting a public officer, going armed to the terror of the people, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The Libertarian Party of North Carolina told the New York Post that it was aware of the situation and thanked law enforcement for pursuing a solution without involving violence. Miller is running on a platform that includes weakening legal protections for police, repealing drug laws, and reducing economic regulations.