WINONA, Minn. — A lobbyist accused of threatening gun violence at the state Capitol has been placed on administrative leave. Jenna Chernega, president of the IFO professors union that employs Jonathan Bohn, said he has moved off-duty. Chernega tried to distance the union from the criminal case against Bohn. The case, she said, stems “from a private dispute.” She also called the case “a moment of personal crisis for someone who has served IFO with dedication for more than a decade.” Chernega is a sociology prof at Winona State and is the elected president of the statewide Inter-Faculty Organization.
Chernega. IFO President since 2020.
Verbatim
Chernega, to IFO members: “Many of you know and care about Jonathan, and we are committed to ensuring he has access to the support he needs. The Inter Faculty Organization condemns political violence and threats of violence in any form. Violence and threats of violence are unacceptable and go against the values we hold as a union — values rooted in civil discourse, mutual respect, and advocacy carried out with integrity. We are monitoring developments closely and cooperating as needed with law enforcement. We understand the impact of this situation on our community and are responding with transparency and care. This is not an easy moment, but we remain grounded in our shared commitment to respectful engagement and principled advocacy.”