Death threat sent to Port Coquitlam councillor

Police are investigating after a death threat was recently emailed to Dean Washington, according to a recent release from the City of Port Coquitlam.

City council strongly condemned the threat.

“Acts of violence and intimidation undermine the foundation of democracy and civil discourse,” the city stated in a release. “No elected official, city staff member, or resident should ever face threats or violence for their role in our community or for exercising free expression.”

Washington has faced criticism following a September council meeting in which he referred to homeless people as: “people that don’t want to work.”

After describing a spate of open drug use in the city’s downtown, Washington said he’d been spat at, sworn at, and called a racial epithet.

“If I wasn’t a city councillor and that guy did to me 30 years ago what he did, there would’ve been a different reaction from me,” Washington said.

A petition asking for Washington and fellow Coun. Darrell Penner to resign over their comments has garnered 152 signatures.

Coquitlam RCMP confirmed the department is investigating a report of uttering threats.

“However given the investigation is active, we are unable to release any details at this time,” a Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson stated.

Anyone with information about the threat to Washington is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP at 604.945-1550. To use the RCMP’s Online Crime Reporting tool, click here.