A Lewiston man, Trevor J. Lunney, has been sentenced to five years in prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for making violent threats against his lawyer, prosecutor, and the public. Following a jury trial on December 10, 2024, Lunney was convicted of these offenses.
Court documents revealed that in July 2022, while under Washington State community custody for a previous conviction involving threats to kill, Lunney texted his Department of Corrections (DOC) officer with alarming statements. He mentioned that "in 19 days, mass violence becomes inevitable," and discussed plans for shootings at an Asotin County school and a parade at the Asotin County Fair.
On July 18, 2022, after further threatening communications with DOC officers and mental health professionals about his intentions to commit mass violence, Lunney was arrested by the Clarkston Police Department. He remained in custody at the Asotin County Jail facing felony charges from the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office.
While incarcerated, Lunney continued to express anger toward the criminal justice system through monitored calls and emails. He discussed acquiring firearms like an AR-15 and detailed plans to commit mass murder.
Lunney's hostility reached a peak on December 5th, 2022 when he emailed from jail about wanting a "murder-suicide" with his lawyer upon release and expressed intentions to attack prosecutors.
Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker praised victims and witnesses who testified against Lunney: “I want to thank the victims and witnesses who bravely came forward and testified.” He acknowledged the role of the FBI in preventing Lunney's potential actions: “I am grateful to the FBI for intervening before Mr. Lunney could carry out his violent plans.”
Special Agent Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI emphasized the seriousness of such threats: “Mr. Lunney’s threats were alarming... They instilled fear not only in targeted victims but an entire community.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter.
