Man Arrested for Threats on Maine Police Entered U.S. Through Boston

BOSTON, MA – A Norwegian national arrested Wednesday for emailed threats on the lives of police officers in Portland, ME entered the United States through Boston last month, police said.

Espen Brungodt, 28, arrived in Boston with his family on July 26, according to Portland Police. He was taken into custody at 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon at a hotel in Portland in connection with emails received earlier that day by police and local media.

In the emails, received around 8:45 a.m. Wednesday morning, the author threatened to kill Portland police officers with explosives and high-powered rifles. As a result, Portland Police increased security at the police station and the nearby Cumberland County parking garage and closed the Cumberland County courthouse during the investigation.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the author threatened to "“get into position at the top of the parking garage” and claimed the parking garage was wired with explosives, though a police search of the garage yielded none.

Similar threats were also posted to a Twitter account under the name John Mackenzie, the Press Herald reported.

Police in Portland said there was no indication that Brungodt's family was aware of his alleged actions; he was unarmed when arrested and taken into custody without incident.

Brungodt faces federal charges of transmitting threatening communications.

"It is unfortunate that recent national events remind us that some will threaten and try to injure police officers," Portland Police wrote in a statement on Twitter. "Portland remains a safe city and the police department is thankful for the widespread and strong community support it receives. Police will continue working to protect citizens and working in partnership with the community to help keep everyone safe."