Man pleads not guilty to stalking Rep. Pramila Jayapal
A man with a gun who was arrested outside of Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s (D-WA) home last month pleaded not guilty to charges against him for the incident.
Brett Forsell, 49, was arrested after allegedly shouting expletives outside her home. Prosecutors brought forth a felony stalking charge against him, which can carry up to five years behind bars. A judge set his bail at $150,000 during an arraignment hearing Tuesday in King County Superior Court, KING-TV reported.
MAN ARRESTED WITH GUN OUTSIDE REP. PRAMILA JAYAPAL’S HOUSE
“The news today from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office that they have charged Mr. Forsell with felony stalking demonstrates that the justice system is doing its work,” her office said in a statement following the charges brought against Forsell, per the outlet. “I am grateful to the King County Prosecutor’s Office for holding this man accountable for his dangerous actions.”
A neighbor witnessed his vehicle drive by her house at least three times that night and heard him yell something to the effect of “go back to India” and threatened to kill her, according to a police report. Police subsequently arrested him and found a Glock 22 handgun on his waist, Axios reported.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office had asked for a $500,000 bail against Forsell due to concerns that he was likely to commit another offense if released. He told authorities he would return to Jayapal’s home after his release, reports said.
If he posts bail, he will reportedly have to comply with a stalking order, alcohol monitoring, GPS monitoring, and home monitoring.
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Forsell confessed to driving past Jayapal’s home and yelling profanities but denied allegations he commented on her race or ethnicity, according to court documents, saying he was opposed to her political beliefs. He claimed to have been drinking that night and insisted he struggled with a mental illness, per court documents.
Jayapal helms the Congressional Progressive Caucus and was the first Indian American woman elected to the House in 2016.
