On the morning of July 7, 2017, the Omaha Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a man who made threats against U.S. Senator Joni Ernst from the state of Iowa.

Robert William Simet, 64, was apprehended by the FBI for making threats to assault Senator Ernst. "The safety of our elected officials is something that cannot be taken lightly," FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Randall Thysse said. "We appreciate those people who reported this to the proper authorities and for the response from our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa for their swift action on this matter."

Simet is in custody and will be transported to Council Bluffs for an initial appearance in the Southern District of Iowa.