U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
A jury has found Trevor J. Lunney, a 39-year-old man from Lewiston, guilty of making violent threats against his lawyer, the prosecutor, and members of the public. The verdict was announced by United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref.
Court documents reveal that in July 2022, while under community custody for a previous conviction involving threats to kill, Lunney sent threatening messages to his Department of Corrections (DOC) officer. He stated that "in 19 days, mass violence becomes inevitable" and discussed plans for a school shooting at an Asotin County School District school and a mass shooting at the Asotin County Fair parade.
On July 18, 2022, after being contacted by DOC officers, Lunney continued to make specific threats about committing mass shootings. A mental health evaluation revealed further threats including a plan to live stream an attack on the Asotin County Fair Parade crowd. He also mentioned having access to firearms.
Later that day, Lunney was arrested by the Clarkston Police Department and held in custody at the Asotin County Jail on felony charges filed by the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office.
While in jail awaiting trial for these threats, Lunney communicated with family members and others through monitored calls and emails. During these communications, he expressed anger towards the criminal justice system and made plans to obtain an AR-15 rifle to commit mass murder.
On December 5th, 2022, Lunney sent an email from jail expressing his desire for a "murder-suicide" with his lawyer upon release and intentions to kill both his lawyer and prosecutors.
The trial began on December 9th, 2024 under United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13th, 2025 in Spokane.
U.S. Attorney Waldref commented on the case: “Mr. Lunney made terrifying threats to commit violence... The verdict announced today will keep Mr. Lunney in prison and will hopefully allow him to get the mental health treatment he needs."
Special Agent Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI emphasized: “Threats of violence have serious consequences as they disrupt lives... The FBI takes all threats of violence very seriously."
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter.