A Milwaukee man is facing felony charges after investigators say he sent an online message threatening to kill Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers. Police arrested 31-year-old David Walker Jr. on May 14 at the Red Lobster near 76th Street, where authorities say he worked, and a judge set his cash bond at $5,000. According to court records, the threat was submitted through a news tip form using another woman's name and email address without her knowledge.
What investigators say
The criminal complaint, as described by FOX6 Milwaukee, states that the message read, "At approximately 8 am tomorrow morning I will be killing the governor of Wisconsin." Investigators say Google and T-Mobile records linked the email account and IP address used to submit the tip to Walker. He is now charged with making terrorist threats, issuing a computer-message threat and unauthorized use of another person's identifying information. Prosecutors say that if he is convicted on all counts, he could face close to 10 years in prison and about $21,000 in fines.
Prior case and history
This is not Walker's first run-in with authorities over threats. In 2020, prosecutors said he admitted sending two bomb threats that led to searches of the Milwaukee County Jail and the federal courthouse, and he was sentenced to two years of probation. At the time, FOX6 reported that "Walker told investigators he sent the bomb threats...because he was having anxiety and suffering from a panic attack."
What the charges mean
Under Wisconsin law, using someone else's identifying information without permission is treated as a serious felony. Prosecutors often layer identity-related charges on top of threat counts to seek tougher penalties. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that the state's identity-theft statutes cover the unauthorized use of names, emails or other personal details when it is done to harm another person or hide criminal activity.
Arrest location
Officers arrested Walker on May 14 at the Red Lobster near 76th Street where investigators say he was employed. The restaurant chain lists that location as 4645 S. 76th St. on its website. Court records also indicate a no-contact order is in place for several individuals, including Gov. Evers, and Walker is scheduled to return to court next week for a preliminary hearing.
