What they’re saying

‘I again want to commend the three workers who reported the suspicious backpack to authorities and the law enforcement officers who responded. In my briefing with Mayor Verner and local law enforcement last month, it was clear that when the emergency response system was put to a test, it worked as it should have and prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy on a day of celebration.”

– Gov. Chris Gregoire

‘Ensuring the safety of our citizens and visitors has been my paramount concern since that day. Our local, state and federal law enforcement team worked together to move this investigation forward to today’s arrest, and they have my thanks. Collaboration and hard work is what defines this investigation and our community, not the violent acts of a few.”

– Mayor Mary Verner

‘We find this to be great news for our community. … We need to be aware that hate is out there and take a stand against it. It certainly is not reflective of Spokane. It’s not who we are. We are offended. We are way more embracing of diversity than what that act tried to show.”

– Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick

‘This was very good police work on the part of the FBI and local authorities, including the Spokane Police and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. … I’m glad this individual has been arrested, and the city of Spokane and Spokane County can rest assured we are looking at all the aspects of the case.”

– Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich