Dusty Johnson announces South Dakota sheriffs as State of the Union guests

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dakota News Now) - Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced Monday that Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller and Moody County Sheriff Troy Wellman will be his guests at the State of the Union on Tuesday.

“Poor decisions by the federal government harm the smallest communities in South Dakota,” said Johnson. “Throughout my conversations with Sheriff Mueller and Sheriff Wellman, they’ve been clear – the number one thing Congress can do to make our communities safer is secure the southern border. I hope President Biden highlights a plan to combat fentanyl pouring into our communities as he discusses the State of our Union.”

“I am honored and humbled to be asked by Representative Johnson to be his guest at the State of the Union,” said Sheriff Wellman. “As the Sheriff of Moody County, I am hoping there is a conversation and an explained plan on how to secure the border. It is not a political issue; it is 100% a national health and safety issue. It needs to not only be addressed but fixed.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to attend the State of the Union. Methamphetamine is still the number one driver of violent crime in South Dakota and fentanyl overdoses continue to rise,” said Sheriff Mueller. “These drugs flow freely across our open southern border and into communities near you and me. I am hoping to hear President Biden take an aggressive stance and outline a plan to secure our southern border. This immediate step is necessary to keep our citizens and communities safe.”

Johnson’s previous actions to address drugs

According to a press release, in November 2022, South Dakota saw one of the largest drug busts in state history. Johnson urged U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to rectify the dangerous policies that have allowed our southern border to spiral out of control.

Additionally, Johnson sat down with Sheriff Mueller in October 2022 to discuss the influx of drugs in the area that have contributed to the increase in violent crimes.