(KRON) — Police say a 45-year-old man is under arrest for allegedly making “criminal threats” in several messages against a Petaluma City Schools District official in which he demanded the removal of Pride flags — saying “harsh consequences” would follow if they weren’t taken down.
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The Petaluma Police Department says its officers took Josh Garzoli into custody just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday after a series of reported confrontations between the suspect and the District Administrator. Police released the following timeline of events:
- “On May 30, 2025, Garzoli left a concerning voicemail with Petaluma City Schools Officials demanding the removal of the Pride flag from school grounds. Garzoli reportedly told a School District Official there would be “harsh consequences” if the flag was not removed.
- On June 2, 2025, Garzoli arrived at the Petaluma Schools Administration Office. He was reported as being agitated and angry, demanding the removal of Pride flags, but left without further incident.
- On the morning of June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:18 AM, the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of criminal threats made toward a Petaluma City Schools District Official.”
Investigators say that Garzoli then sent an “alarming email” to the official in which he demanded the removal of the flags before the end of the school day on Thursday and said “he would have the District Administrator ‘executed’ if the flags remained. “The threat was considered specific, time sensitive, and caused safety concerns for school officials,” confirmed investigators.
Petaluma PD says Garzoli was booked into custody on suspicion of violating “California Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats,” which is a felony offense. Police say the suspect’s bail was increased to $750,000.
“We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected,” say police. “The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority.”…