Former Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich committed suicide on February 26 , as he was running for governor as a Republican . New police reports released Tuesday reveal Schweich had contemplated suicide for years . Just moments before he shot himself , Schweich called Associated Press reporters to set up an interview about alleged anti-Semitism in his party . The candidate learned that Missouri GOP chairman John Hancock had told donors at a party that he was Jewish . According to the AP report, Schweitzer said he did not know who made the call and denied making it. Schweich became upset and allegedly called an aide on the day of his death and said he had to either 'run as independent ' or 'kill himself '
Former Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich committed suicide on February 26 , as he was running for governor as a Republican . New police reports released Tuesday reveal Schweich had contemplated suicide for years . Just moments before he shot himself , Schweich called Associated Press reporters to set up an interview about alleged anti-Semitism in his party . The candidate learned that Missouri GOP chairman John Hancock had told donors at a party that he was Jewish . Schweich was a practicing Christian but has Jewish heritage . Schweich became upset and allegedly called an aide on the day of his death and said he had to either 'run as independent ' or 'kill himself '