Police Investigating Twitter Threats Made Against Arlington Family

Arlington Police are investigating threats made on Twitter against an Arlington family, according to a Monday release from the department.

The threats, which occurred Friday evening, were “graphic” and “violent,” police said. Police are working with Twitter Inc. directly and were planning to contact federal authorities as well, according to the release.

“We actively pursue those who threaten the safety or security of our residents,” Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said in a statement.

Police did not release the victims’ names. However, one of the victims, Brianna Wu, head of development for the video game publisher Giant Spacekat, told Boston.com she believes her family was targeted because of her promotion of women in the tech industry.

Boston.com has more from Wu on the possible motive of the threats and on past similar incidents >>