Norwegian MP admits sending violent threats in text messages

Norwegian MP Mímir Kristjánsson of the Red Party (Rødt) has admitted to sending violent and threatening text messages to a private individual, Aftenposten reports. The politician has since apologised, calling his actions “unacceptable”.

The recipient, a man from Bryne, had earlier published a critical Facebook post about Kristjánsson and the Red Party regarding a local political issue in Jæren. The post accused the MP of being “spineless” and of betraying people he had “used as a political stepping stone.” The text was shared in a comment section and sent directly to Kristjánsson via Messenger.

In response, Kristjánsson sent a series of aggressive messages, including: “Come here and I’ll beat you up,” followed by his home address. Roughly 30 minutes later, he wrote: “How’s it going? Not so tough now?” and later threatened to involve his “HA friends”—a reference to the Hells Angels motorcycle club.

The recipient told Dagbladet he did not respond, as the messages only escalated. The following morning, Kristjánsson deleted the texts and sent an apology, blaming alcohol.

Kristjánsson confirmed to Aftenposten that he sent the messages but denied any connection to Hells Angels. “I have no idea why I did it. I don’t know anyone in HA,” he said, adding that the criticism of him as “pathetic” had triggered his reaction.

The Red Party’s secretary-general, Reidar Strisland, condemned the behaviour, stating he had issued a formal reprimand. “This is completely unacceptable for a member of parliament from Rødt,” Strisland said. He confirmed Kristjánsson had already apologised to the recipient before the party intervened.

The recipient has filed a police report. Kristjánsson told Aftenposten he would cooperate with any investigation.