Mason City man who allegedly made threat to kill Governor Reynolds enters into plea agreement

MASON CITY — A Mason City man who allegedly threatened to kill Governor Kim Reynolds and burn down a housing facility has pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.

51-year-old Terrence Rooney Junior was living at the 43 North Iowa Crisis Stabilization Housing facility at 408 1st Northwest when authorities say he called 9-1-1 on August 22nd and stated that he was going to get on a bus the next day and kill the governor.

A Mason City police officer responding to the incident made contact with Rooney, who allegedly repeated the threat. Rooney agreed to go with police for a medical evaluation at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, where while in the emergency room, he allegedly continued to make threats about killing Reynolds and burning down the 43 North Iowa facility.

Rooney was originally charged with threat of terrorism and threatening to place an incendiary or explosive device, both Class D felonies. According to a plea agreement filed last week in Cerro Gordo County District Court, Rooney pleaded guilty to the threat of terrorism charge. Prosecutors are recommending a five-year suspended prison sentence and that he undergo mental health evaluations and follow through with any recommendations including placement into a facility.

Rooney is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9th.