Ex-Potlatch student arrested after making Facebook threats

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Thor Erik King, a 27-year-old resident of Viola and former student in the Potlatch School District, was taken into protective custody Monday after Potlatch School District officials notified authorities of Facebook posts that had concerned area parents.

The post, which has since been deleted, read, in part:

"I think frequently of homicide these days: killing the people who presently torture me, to prevent them from hurting others; killing myself to escape the constant violation and pain; killing children to rescue them from this Hell that is Earth."

The post, which appeared over the weekend, was addressed by Potlatch School District Superintendent Jeff Cirka - also on social media.

Cirka said the district was aware of the post and had notified authorities.

"They are assuring that the situation is under control, and there is no alarm or need for concern for the safety of our kids at school," he said.

King's previous posts on the social media site frequently mention suicide as early as 2008.

"Thor King has been placed into protective custody," said Latah Sheriff's Lt. Brannon Jordan. "He is in a local hospital awaiting evaluation."