Local

Man arrested in connection with threat made to Gov. Inslee, WSP says

WASHINGTON — A man was arrested after an investigation of a threat was made to Gov. Jay Inslee and his staff, the Washington State Patrol said.

Troopers said they contacted a Mill Creek man before 8 p.m. Tuesday after a threatening message had been left on the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services’ answering system by someone using a phone associated with the man.

In February, the same phone was used in a threat made to the Virginia State Legislature the WSP investigation revealed.

Officials with WSP said the Mill Creek man is being processed through the criminal justice system as a result of the investigation.

“These are indeed troubling times for all of us and there are certainly points of consideration and debate in this unprecedented pandemic environment. But … no one has the right to threaten the life of the governor, or any of the people who work for or with him as they address the myriad of important considerations associated with this unique period in our history,” said WSP Chief John R." Batiste.

“The public can rest assured that our executive protection efforts are robust and thorough. We investigate every threat and take every precaution to keep the governor and his family safe. We also take the safety and security of every person who works or visits the Capitol Campus very seriously and we will take every legal and practical option available to pursue, apprehend, and prosecute those who threaten to harm anyone under our protection.”