Tipsheet

Here's Why Sheriffs In Washington State Are Now Receiving Death Threats

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said he refused to enforce Washington State's latest gun control law, I-1639. According to the Sheriff's office, a person called into Crime Stoppers to report a threat made on Facebook.

"Sheriff Knezovich is going to get a bullet in his skull," the post allegedly read. The caller also said he'd shoot anyone who disagrees with I-1639.

When investigators looked into the person's Facebook account, the user also commented on a news story about Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones refusing to enforce the new law. The person commented on the news story saying, "I am going to kill every single one of them," referring to Republicans.

Another post from the account said, “sheriffs that are non compliant will be shot. by me.”

Spokane County detectives are currently investigating the threats. Any information that is found will be forwarded to the Joint Terrorism Task Force and various law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

The ballot initiative has been controversial since it began collecting signatures. The Second Amendment Foundation challenged various aspects of the ballot measure, including its signature gathering process and the whether or not it violated the Second Amendment. 

The initiative passed in November. Here's what it accomplished:

• Raised the age someone can purchase a rifle to 21.
• Created an "enhanced background check system similar to what is used for handguns."
• Required a person to complete a firearms safety training course.
• Created a common stand for secure gun storage.

The National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation filed a joint suit challenging the legality of the initiative once it passed.