Senate Hopeful Throws Tarantula at Tenant

A U.S. Senate candidate threw a live tarantula at her terrified tenant, turning a pest dispute into a criminal conviction that now shadows her political dreams.

Story Snapshot

Marisa Simonetti, 32, convicted March 13, 2026, on harassment, assault, and disorderly conduct charges after tossing tarantula at Airbnb tenant.
Incident erupted June 21, 2024, in Edina, Minnesota basement over spider complaints; video evidence sealed her fate.
Simonetti lost Republican backing in 2024 commissioner race and persists as independent Senate hopeful despite guilty verdict.
Tenant Jacklyn Vasquez, bar exam student, hid in fear, called 911 twice, fled post-arrest.
Sentencing set for May 1, 2026; criminal record threatens office eligibility and career.

Tenant Dispute Ignites in Edina Basement

Jacklyn Vasquez rented Marisa Simonetti’s Edina basement through Airbnb in early June 2024. She requested pest control for large spiders. Simonetti responded with insults instead of action. Tensions boiled over June 20 when Simonetti intercepted Vasquez’s groceries and refused to return them until police arrived. The next morning, Vasquez endured banging pots, screaming, and Wi-Fi cutoff during a 28-minute 911 call. Officers heard the chaos live. This set the stage for escalation no one predicted.

Tarantula Toss and Door Breach Unfold

On June 21 afternoon, Simonetti and Michael Held forced open Vasquez’s door. Vasquez hid, recorded video, and dialed 911 again. Footage captured Simonetti hurling a live tarantula down the stairs, spraying an unknown substance, and tossing tacks, toys, and terrarium debris. Police found the spider alive, noted foul odors, loud music, and erratic behavior. Simonetti admitted buying the tarantula. Video audio revealed her hooting about Jesus and warning, “never f*** with Marisa Simonetti.” Arrest followed immediately.

Political Ambitions Crumble Under Scrutiny

Simonetti ran for Hennepin County commissioner in 2024 as a Republican. Post-arrest, the party withdrew endorsement. She lost the special election to Heather Edelson by about 1,000 votes. Undeterred, Simonetti launched an independent U.S. Senate bid. Her self-defense claims—framing the antics as “jokes” from fear or “Home Alone” inspiration—crumbled in court. A jury convicted her on all counts March 13, 2026, after a brief self-represented trial. Sentencing looms May 1.

Victim’s Terror and Legal Aftermath

Vasquez, studying for the bar exam, described a hostile environment trapping her inside. She fled only after Simonetti’s arrest. Police reports detailed the bizarre scene, bolstering prosecution. Simonetti told NBC News she made jokes when scared, even “got the spider.” The court rejected her narrative. Charges included gross misdemeanor harassment, misdemeanor domestic assault, and disorderly conduct. Hennepin County jury deliberated briefly before guilty verdicts.

Broader Ramifications for Rentals and Politics

Edina prohibits basement short-term rentals like Simonetti’s Airbnb setup. The case spotlights illegal hosting risks and extreme eviction tactics. Vasquez suffered trauma and disruption; Simonetti faces fines, possible jail, and a record barring office runs in many states. Her Senate campaign draws backlash, underscoring vetting needs. Common sense demands landlords follow law over vigilante stunts—abusing power erodes trust in aspiring leaders. Tenant rights awareness surges from this viral saga.