Seattle man charged with threatening Governor Bob Ferguson after hospital stay

<p>Nathaniel David Foster, a 34-year-old man from Seattle, is accused of threatening Washington Governor Bob Ferguson during a hospital stay on July 18, where he reported suicidal and homicidal thoughts, according to charging documents. Foster allegedly informed a hospital caseworker of his intention to harm Ferguson, prompting the caseworker to alert law enforcement, including Seattle police and Washington State Patrol detectives.</p><p>Foster reportedly detailed a plan to travel to Olympia, observe the governor's mansion, and identify security weaknesses to gain access. He allegedly expressed a willingness to harm anyone obstructing his path to the governor.</p><p>Prosecutors claim that Foster believed that attacking Ferguson would highlight grievances related to his treatment while incarcerated at a Spokane correctional facility. He allegedly stated he would do "what he has to do" to achieve his goals.</p><p>Foster has been charged in King County Superior Court with threatening to kill Ferguson. Prosecutors have requested a bail amount of $50,000 and a prohibition on contacting the governor, citing concerns for public safety.</p><p>Foster has a history of criminal convictions, including second-degree robbery in 2008, third-degree assault in 2009, and third-degree malicious mischief in 2023. In 2025, he was accused of stabbing a store employee in Olympia. Authorities noted that Foster reported hearing "voices in his head" that urged him to commit violence against police officers and politicians. Previous cases against him were dismissed due to competency issues.</p><p>Foster failed to appear for an arraignment on August 17, resulting in a bench warrant being issued. He was subsequently booked into King County Jail on a separate third-degree malicious mischief charge.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Ferguson's office for comment.</p><p>If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988.</p>