Police launch investigation after agriculture minister says he received a death threat
Speaking about threats against those in public office, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said it is 'totally unacceptable' for elected representatives to face abuse or threats for doing their job.
Last week Mr Muir told the Assembly that he and officials in his department had been the target of 'vile' homophobic, racist and misogynistic comments on social media over his department's proposed Nutrients Action Programme (NAP).
However, speaking today the minister said that the situation had 'taken a disturbing turn' in recent days after he received a death threat.
It comes during heated opposition from the farming community to Mr Muir's NAP proposals which are currently out for consultation.
Mr Muir has been urged to scrap the proposals which are aimed at improving water quality and the wider environment by reducing and preventing pollution caused or induced by nutrients from agricultural sources.
Opponents say the proposals could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers and undermine food security.
Speaking to Cool FM on Monday Mr Muir revealed details of the threat which he said did 'not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland'.
'As minister I have been out and about, I've been welcomed into the homes of many farmers and (had) very respectful engagement around what is a consultation,' he said.
'But things have really taken a disturbing turn last week when there was a zoom call to discuss the NAP proposals and consultation, someone decided to post a comment which essentially is threatening to have me shot.'
He added: 'I'm very disappointed, I know this does not reflect the farming community in Northern Ireland, and I think it is really important that I say that.
"I know the police are taking this very seriously and it's important that when we are engaging in what is a consultation about draft proposals, people lower the tone a bit."
News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025
He urged people to take a 'step back' adding there 'is no need to issue death threats against me' or for discriminatory comments aimed at officials in his department and people working in the agri-food sector.
A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed that an investigation had been launched adding that any reports of abuse, harassment or criminality directed at elected representatives would be thoroughly investigated.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray added: 'It is totally unacceptable that anyone should face abuse or threats simply for carrying out the duties of their office. We will thoroughly investigate any such incident.
'We will continue to do all we can to ensure that all of our politicians are supported, and that they can undertake their role free from fear and intimidation.
'We regularly engage with our elected representatives in order to provide information on personal safety, how the Police Service can support them and, crucially, when to report an incident to police.
'We regularly engage with Assembly and Parliamentary officials, and the Electoral Commission, in regard to elected representative safety.'
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