Man arrested for threatening Seattle mosque, police say



SEATTLE --  SWAT officers arrested a 37-year-old Seattle man at his Greenwood apartment Tuesday after receiving information from one of his out-of-state friends that he had made threats against a Seattle mosque, police said.

Earlier Tuesday, police said,  the suspect posted threats online and, in a separate posting, claimed to have purchased an assault rifle and extra ammunition.

Acting on that information, SWAT and hostage negotiators went to the man’s home in the 11700 block of Greenwood Avenue North and arrested him shortly before 3:30 p.m.

Investigators have learned the man has previously been contacted by area law enforcement who are investigating harassment and threats to another mosque.

Seattle police are working closely with the FBI to investigate the rapidly developing case, police said.

Asked if the suspect had specifically mentioned the shooting in Orlando, Fla., in his alleged threat, a police spokesman declined to comment, saying it was too early in the investigation to provide more details.