Police investigate threat made against city hall

Email contained what was felt to be threat aimed at ‘elected officials’

Hamilton police are investigating an emailed threat against city councillors that purportedly referenced the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas.

At least six police officers arrived at City Hall Wednesday as councillors in a general issues committee meeting met behind closed doors. Some waited outside, while others toured the building on the first and second floors.

An extra city security guard was also posted outside council chambers until the meeting ended.

City manager Chris Murray said an unidentified councillor received an email Wednesday morning that contained what was felt to be a threat aimed at “elected officials.”

Murray said he judged the threat to be “general in nature” but decided to alert police.

Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, who is also chair of the police board, said he was contacted briefly by acting police Chief Dan Kinsella and assured the matter was under investigation.

Ferguson said he did not receive the email, but understood it to include a reference to Las Vegas, where more than 50 people were killed earlier this week in the United States’ worst mass shooting to date.

“I think that’s why everyone is a little jumpy,” Ferguson said. He declined to say more about the contents of the email but added he is not unduly concerned about the potential threat.

“I get a lot of wacky emails,” he said.

Murray declined to name either the source of the alleged threat or the receiver of the email, citing privacy and the ongoing police investigation.

He said he expected an update from police on the investigation and added he was satisfied the “appropriate actions” were taken at City Hall.

The building was not locked down and people were free to come and go all morning.