Mill Creek man held on charge he threatened to kill Gov. Inslee and staff

The State Patrol has arrested a Snohomish County man who allegedly threatened to kill Gov. Jay Inslee and his staff members because of restrictions to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.

At about noon Tuesday, a threatening message was left on the voicemail of the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services, said Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis. The call was traced to Shawn C. Rowland, 32, who was arrested Tuesday evening at his residence in Mill Creek.

The voicemail stated: “You’re dead, Inslee, and any of your workers, employees and their accomplices,” according to Loftis.

Rowland told investigators that he was “upset with the governor for violating people’s constitutional rights,” Loftis said, adding: “His concerns were directed to the restrictions regarding COVID-19.” Loftis said he didn’t have further details.

As part of his strategy to slow the spread of the disease which has killed 692 Washington residents, Inslee last month ordered all “non-essential businesses” to shut down and for residents to stay home, unless they are deemed “essential” workers. The governor has extended the order through May 4.

The Patrol’s investigation found the same phone used to make the threat against Inslee and his staff members had been used in a Feb. 9 threat to the Virginia State Legislature, but the Virginia call did not refer to specific people, Loftis said. At that time, Virginia lawmakers were debating gun control bills.

Rowland was held Wednesday in the Snohomish County Jail. He appeared Tuesday night in Everett District Court on a charge of making threats against the Governor, a Class C felony which carries a punishment of up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

The State Patrol is in charge of protecting the Governor and his family and also 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,” Patrol Chief John Batiste said in a written statement.

This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 7:15 PM.