(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — According to an arrest affidavit, on Thursday, Oct. 9, a man allegedly sent emails to the Manitou Springs Police Department (MSPD), directing threats to the City of Manitou Springs City Hall.
The arrest affidavit states that on Oct. 6, an officer with MSPD started an investigation into a public threat that had been directed to the City of Manitou Springs City Hall. The emails were received by an MSPD Commander on Oct. 4.
According to MSPD, each email had been signed off with the name “Travis Garrigan.” MSPD notes that Travis Garrigan is a well-known person to MSPD and the City of Manitou Springs for previous incidents of public statements expressing discontent with the city and elected officials in person and published on his Facebook page.
The emails sent to the MSPD commander were addressed to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and contained complaints against the City of Manitou Springs and MSPD for alleged civil rights violations. The emails also expressed grievances with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Division of the FBI, and the state government of Colorado, according to MSPD.
In an email sent on Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. titled “Final Notice”, Garrigan allegedly made statements that MSPD determined to be alluding to a threat. Police Chief Bill Otto alerted the City of Manitou Springs City Administrator on Oct. 6 at around 10 a.m. of the threats. The City Administrator, in response, expressed feeling threatened and concerned for the public safety of city employees.
According to the affidavit, on Oct. 9 at around 11 a.m., police were made aware of additional emails received by the MSPD Commander that allegedly contained additional threats, including annexing Manitou Springs and advising employees to leave the building.
Chief Otto placed the Manitou Springs City Hall on lockdown due to the concerning emails and threats received from Garrigan.
The affidavit states MSPD believes there was enough probable cause for charging Garrigan with:
Attempt to influence a public servant
Criminal Extortion
Harassment
Obstructing government operations
