A Seattle man is accused of plotting to harm Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, detailing a plan that involved surveilling the governor's mansion and forcing his way inside, according to charging documents.
Nathaniel David Foster, 34, allegedly communicated his intentions to a hospital caseworker on July 18 while seeking treatment for suicidal and homicidal thoughts at Swedish First Hill. The caseworker subsequently alerted authorities, initiating an investigation by Seattle police and the Washington State Patrol.
Foster reportedly described a scheme to travel to Olympia via public transit, observe security at the governor's mansion, and identify an opportune moment to breach security. Documents state that Foster expressed a willingness to harm or kill anyone who obstructed his path to the governor.
Prosecutors believe Foster felt his planned attack would draw attention to grievances related to his past treatment while incarcerated at a Spokane correctional facility. He allegedly told investigators he would "do what he has to do" to achieve his objective.
Foster faces a charge of threatening to kill Ferguson in King County Superior Court. Prosecutors are seeking $50,000 bail and a restraining order, citing public safety concerns.
The suspect has a history of legal issues, including convictions for second-degree robbery in 2008, third-degree assault in 2009, and third-degree malicious mischief in 2023. In 2025, he was also accused of stabbing an employee in Olympia following a greeting. That case was dismissed after Foster was found not competent to stand trial.
Court filings also indicate other cases have been dismissed due to competency concerns, including charges of custodial assault and second-degree assault from 2025. Authorities noted that Foster reported hearing voices that instructed him to carry out the alleged attack and expressed a desire to harm police officers and politicians.
Foster failed to appear for an arraignment on August 17, leading to a bench warrant. He was later booked into the King County Jail on a separate charge of third-degree malicious mischief.
Ferguson's office has been contacted for comment.