Seattle Gay Bars Not Caving to Ricin Threat

The Seattle Times is reporting that owners of well-known Seattle gay bars have received anonymous notes that threatened to poison customer's drinks with toxic ricin. Bar managers are maintaining a "business as usual" stance, and don't expect the threatening letters to greatly impact business -- but that doesn't mean they're not alerting drinkers to keep a watchful eye on their libations. They have also posted signs warning patrons.

The letter claimed, "I have in my possession approximately 67 grams of ricin with which I will indiscriminately target at least five of your clients."

Separate notices were sent to local newspaper "The Stranger" stating, "Please be prepared to announce the deaths of approximately 55 individuals all of whom were patrons of the following establishments on a Saturday in January."

Dan Savage, editorial director for "The Stranger" thinks the letter came from someone who is gay. He speculates the letter would have used a Bible verse or references to God if it was written by someone heterosexual. The letter sent to bars quoted the poem "A Display of Mackerel" by openly gay writer Mark Doty, which also leads others in the Seattle gay community to believe Savage's theory of a "gay hater".

The threat letter listed almost a dozen well-known Seattle gay bars: The Elite, Neighbours, The Wildrose Tavern, The Cuff, Purr, The Seattle Eagle, R Place, Re-bar, C.C. Attle's, Madison Pub and The Crescent Tavern.

Some bar owners actually think the threats will help business, rather than hinder it.

Photo: Getty Images

Comments

[PJ]

Please urge the Mayor & Gov. to speak out against the ricin threats & in support of us!!!

http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/default.asp

http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/citizen_response.htm

[Kevin Jackson]

What I want to know is what is law enforcement doing to respond to these threats? Moreover, is Homeland Security involved! This is certainly a direct threat of domestic terrorism.
-Kevin
Tucson, AZ