One of the 15 alleged Antifa conspirators charged by federal prosecutors last week works for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Alpha News has learned.
Alec Stewart, an assistant wildlife manager with the DNR, is named in the federal indictment, which alleges members and associates of Direct Action Minnesota conspired to obstruct federal immigration enforcement operations and interfere with federal officers.
Stewart is charged with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer.
“We are aware of the charges and we are reviewing them. We have no further comment,” a DNR spokesperson told Alpha News senior reporter Liz Collin last week.
SCOOP: @AlphaNews can confirm one of the 15 alleged Antifa conspirators charged this week is an Assistant Wildlife Manager for @mndnr.
Alec Stewart, also known as “Mac,” is charged with Conspiracy to Impede or Injure a Federal Officer.
A DNR spokesperson says, “We are aware of… pic.twitter.com/ikgKdZ9nCV
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) June 18, 2026
On Monday, Alpha News followed up with the DNR regarding Stewart’s employment status, including whether he remains employed, has been placed on leave or is the subject of an internal investigation.
In response, the DNR confirmed that Stewart remains employed by the agency.
“Alec Stewart is a current employee with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,” a DNR spokesperson said. “The Department is aware of and is reviewing the indictment.”
The agency did not answer questions about whether Stewart has been placed on leave or whether any employment-related action has been taken.
Another DNR employee wished Trump assassin had been a ‘better shot’
The federal case involving a Stewart comes less than two years after another DNR employee made headlines for comments made following the first assassination attempt of President Donald Trump.
Alpha News previously reported that Tyler Janke, a DNR natural resources program consultant, faced backlash in July 2024 after posting a Facebook comment following the shooting at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
“Too bad they weren’t a better shot,” Janke wrote, according to screenshots shared online.
The comment generated widespread criticism and prompted a public response from the DNR.
“Violence or the threat of violence has absolutely no place in American politics,” the agency said in a statement at the time. “The comment is reprehensible and inconsistent with the views and values of the Minnesota DNR. We are thoroughly examining the matter and will take all appropriate steps in alignment with state law and policy.”
The statement appeared to signal possible disciplinary action. However, records obtained by Alpha News months later showed no documented disciplinary action against Janke.
On Monday, Alpha News asked the DNR whether Janke was ever disciplined, but the agency declined to answer, citing Minnesota Statute 13.43 — the state law that classifies most personnel and disciplinary data on government employees as private.
According to the State of Minnesota employee directory, Janke is still employed.
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) July 16, 2024
DNR ‘rainbow fish’ draws ire
The DNR also raised some eyebrows over the weekend when it promoted a “rainbow fish” social media campaign as part of Pride Month.
The post drew thousands of comments, with many users questioning why the agency was focusing on Pride-themed messaging rather than its core conservation mission.
As criticism mounted, the DNR posted an “admin update” in the comment section, writing: “Our social media accounts are governed by the general rules of respectful civil discourse. The DNR social media team monitors official DNR accounts but is not responsible for content generated by users.”
Despite the backlash, Minnesotans may be seeing more of the flashy fish.
The DNR told one user that temporary rainbow fish tattoos will be offered at the agency’s booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
