Kirkland police are investigating whether the thoughts one man had of doing a mass shooting at Lake Washington Institute of Technology are anything more than that.
On March 10, the Kirkland Police Department received information that a 26-year-old man living in Everett had checked himself into a Snohomish County hospital for mental health assistance. The man reportedly informed hospital staff that he needed help because he was having thoughts of suicide as well as thoughts of doing a mass shooting at a mall or a school. The information indicated the male had recently been a student at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland and had specifically mentioned this school to hospital staff.
Due to the serious nature of this information, Kirkland police received immediate assistance from the Seattle office of the FBI. Investigators interviewed the man at a regional mental health treatment facility and found that he was very cooperative, according to police. He confirmed that he was having suicidal thoughts and had recent hallucinations of conducting a mass shooting. Investigators determined the male had no previous criminal history, no dealings with law enforcement and no known past mental health commitments. The man allowed full access to his telephone and computers. Investigators also confirmed that he did not own or possess firearms, nor did he have firearms in his home.
The Kirkland Police Department and the administration at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology have been working collaboratively to ensure everyone’s safety. The male remains in a mental health treatment facility and continues to cooperate with the police and his treatment plan.
This investigation is ongoing, but to date no criminal activity has been identified. Forensic examination of the male’s electronic devices is being conducted to determine the extent of the subject’s intent and to identify any possible steps he may have taken beyond what has been reported.
Investigators remain in communication with the mental health facility where the subject currently remains and are continually assessing and monitoring the situation.
