Seattle man arrested for allegedly making online threats against mosque



SEATTLE -- A man is under arrest after Seattle Police say he made threats toward a Seattle mosque online. While investigators are staying tight-lipped about what those threats say, they did prompt extra security at Idriss Mosque in Northgate.

As people came to pray during Ramadan, the Seattle Police presence surrounding the mosque couldn't be ignored.

"It's fair to say we have a visible presence at the mosque and we anticipate working very closely with them in order to assure the safety of the individuals worshiping there," said Seattle Police Capt. Sean O'Donnell.

Police say a friend of the suspect tipped them off to a 37-year-old Seattle man making threats online, when SWAT officers arrived at his home on Greenwood Avenue North at 117th Street Tuesday afternoon.

After a brief standoff, police arrested the man. While they will not go into detail about the threats, Mosque leader fear it could be in retaliation from the massacre in Orlando, which isn't far from the minds of police.

"I can tell you we take this very seriously, I can tell you we are very aware of the situation in Orlando and we are taking steps here to ensure the safety of individuals for those who choose to worship at the mosque or any denomination," said O'Donnell.

While police continue to investigate, people attending the mosque say the threats won't keep the from practicing their faith.

"The more important thing is that we are human beings, and we have to love each other," said Mohammad Ali Mokrani.

The suspect is under investigation for malicious harassment. Seattle Police say they are working closely with the FBI.