FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A man accused of using an ax to smash windows at the entrance of Republican North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven’s office in downtown Fargo has been indicted in federal court.

Court documents unsealed Jan 19, 2021, charge Thomas Starks with injury or depredation against government property for allegedly causing the damage discovered by staffers on Dec. 21. Starks, of Lisbon, about 75 miles southwest of Fargo, has also been charged in state court with criminal mischief. Starks was appearing in federal court Tuesday morning. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley is planning a news conference to discuss the case after Stark’s court appearance.

The Bismark Tribune, on Jan 6, reported that several North Dakota Democrats have donated money to the legal defense fund for Starks, accused of vandalizing Republican U.S. Sen. John Hoeven’s Fargo office.