Rep. Jayapal threatened at her home, perpetrator could face hate crime charges
Jul 12, 2022, 7:15 AM | Updated: 7:30 am
Photo from Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call
Criminal charges are expected to be filed against a South Seattle man arrested over the weekend who threatened to kill Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.
King County Prosecutors say the 48-year-old man is in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
The Seattle Times reports that a judge refused to issue an anti-harassment order protecting Rep. Jayapal.
According to a police report, the man was arrested Saturday night, when they found him standing in the middle of the street by Jayapal’s house, hands in the air, with a handgun on his waist.
Neighbors said he threatened to kill her. He was yelling something to the effect of “go back to India, I’m going to kill you,” according to police probable cause documents.
Seattle shows power and limits of Jayapal’s progressives
Probable cause documents also state that the suspect reported to the police that he knew who lived at the home and that he wanted to pitch a tent on the person’s property.
A statement from Jayapal’s office confirms the incident happened and that she and her family are safe. She also thanked Seattle and Capitol police as well as the FBI for their swift reaction.
Because this is an ongoing incident, the Congresswoman said she would not have any more to say on the matter.
A spokesperson for Jayapal released a statement, confirming she was at home during the incident.
“The Congresswoman and her family are safe and appreciate the many calls and good wishes she is receiving from constituents,” the statement read. “She is very grateful for the swift and professional response from the Seattle Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the FBI investigators who are working together diligently on the investigation and ensuring that she and her family stay safe.”
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