Federal authorities in Spokane, Washington, have taken a woman into custody on allegations that she threatened to kill a federal law enforcement officer and his family. This follows claims that she used stolen identification linked to an FBI vehicle that was damaged during riots in Minneapolis back in January.
The Minneapolis FBI made a statement on Monday emphasizing that threats directed at its employees and their families will not be tolerated. They announced that, at their request, agents in Spokane arrested Brenna Marie Doyle, who reportedly left three alarming voicemails with threats against an FBI agent, his spouse, and their child. The threats were allegedly motivated by the agent’s role in Minnesota. The FBI aims to hold individuals accountable for such intimidation.
A federal criminal complaint unsealed on Monday suggests that Doyle’s threats aimed to intimidate or retaliate against the officer while he was carrying out official duties. Additionally, there are claims that she threatened the officer’s immediate family, focusing on their spouses and children as well.
Prosecutors also noted that Doyle transmitted these threats across state lines, fully aware that they would be perceived as serious threats. Her arrest relates to a January 14 incident in Minneapolis, where rioters not only vandalized an FBI vehicle but also stole items from it, as noted by FBI Director Kash Patel during an appearance on a Sunday show.
Patel remarked that this incident represents a considerable number of arrests made in connection to the vandalism of taxpayer-funded FBI vehicles during those riots. He assured that the FBI would continue its pursuit of individuals who attack or intimidate law enforcement, not just in Minneapolis, but nationwide.
The unrest dates back to January 14 when rioters caused damage to various government vehicles as agents attended to reports of an assault on a federal employee. At that time, federal property was taken from these vehicles.
The recent arrest came on the heels of another arrest involving Raul Gutierrez, 33, purportedly linked to the Latin Kings gang, who had previously been accused of stealing FBI gear and other equipment. Attorney General Pam Bondi had mentioned that Gutierrez had a previous record of violent offenses. The protests beginning on January 14 were reportedly sparked by an ICE operation, where an agent shot a Venezuelan individual who had allegedly attacked them.
