'Shocked': GOP demands Republican resign after charges of soliciting 16-year-old girl

State Senate Republicans in Minnesota have called for the "immediate resignation" of Republican Sen. Justin Eichorn after he was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor for sex.

According to the Bloomington Police Department, Eichorn, 40, "thought he was talking to a 16-year-old female" during a sting operation. The state senator was arrested after planning a meet-up with the fictional girl on Monday.

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson initially declined to condemn Eichorn, but the caucus released a statement later in the day.

"We are shocked by these reports and this alleged conduct demands an immediate resignation. Justin has a difficult road ahead and he needs to focus on his family," the statement said.

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Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the allegations were "deeply disturbing."

"The felony allegation against Sen. Eichorn is deeply disturbing, and raises serious questions that will need to be answered by the court, as well as his caucus and constituents," Murphy noted.

Earlier this week, Eichorn promoted a bill to classify "Trump Derangement Syndrome" as a mental illness.