April 22, 2020
Olympia, WA – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has made an arrest after the investigation of a threat to Governor Jay Inslee and his staff.
Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2020, WSP contacted Mr. Shawn C. Rowland at his residence in Mill Creek, WA. Earlier the same day, a threatening message had been left on the voicemail of the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services by someone using a phone associated with the suspect. The investigation revealed the same phone had been used in an earlier threat made to the Virginia State Legislature in February.
As a result of the investigation, the suspect was arrested and is being processed through the criminal justice system.
“These are indeed troubling times for all of us” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste, “and there are certainly points of consideration and debate in this unprecedented pandemic environment. But…” he added, “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.”
Through state law, WSP is charged with protecting the Governor and his family and provides law enforcement services on the Capitol Campus. “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.”
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