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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Threats Made Against Santa

Compiled From Wire Services

At least two shopping malls stepped up security or sent Santa Claus home because of anonymous threatening letters.

El Con Mall sent its Santa home indefinitely Wednesday.

“We’re seeing quite a few disappointed children today,” John Samuelson, the mall’s operations manager, said Saturday. “We hope we can bring Santa back.”

Police refused to release details of the anonymous threats, but The Arizona Daily Star quoted a source as saying letters sent to two businesses contained threats that Santa would be shot.

Police issued a statement saying they wanted to talk to transient Kem D. Mansager but did not give details. Mansager, 50, was charged in 1994 with making threats, intimidation and disorderly conduct, but failed to appear in court.