Seattle Man Plotted Deadly Attack on Governor While Hospitalized

A Seattle man accused of plotting violence against Washington Governor Bob Ferguson reportedly detailed a deadly scheme while hospitalized. Authorities say this plan placed the governor and his security team in immediate danger.

Nathaniel David Foster, 34, voluntarily checked himself into Swedish First Hill on July 18 as suicidal and homicidal thoughts took hold, according to charging documents seen by Fox News Digital. During his evaluation, he allegedly told hospital staff he intended to travel to Olympia to harm the governor. That warning sent caseworkers calling police immediately. Seattle officers and Washington State Patrol detectives then opened an investigation.

What Foster shared with investigators went beyond a simple scare. He allegedly mapped out a route using public transit to reach the capital city, followed by hours of surveillance near the governor's mansion. His plan involved watching guard rotations and shift changes to find a security weakness he could exploit for entry. Prosecutors say he was prepared to hurt or kill anyone blocking his path to Ferguson.

The motivation behind this alleged attack appears tied to Foster's time in prison at a Spokane correctional facility. He told authorities that striking the governor would highlight grievances regarding how he was treated while incarcerated. He claimed he would do whatever necessary to achieve the outcome he wanted.

King County Superior Court now holds Foster on charges of threatening to kill Ferguson. Prosecutors have requested bail be set at $50,000 and argued that a strict no-contact order is essential given the public safety risk. Foster faces a troubling criminal history that adds weight to these concerns. Records show prior convictions for second-degree robbery in 2008, third-degree assault in 2009, and third-degree malicious mischief in 2023.

In 2025, he was accused of stabbing an employee at Ralph's Thriftway in Olympia in the face after being greeted there. Court documents state Foster claimed voices in his head commanded him to commit violence against police officers and politicians. That specific case involving the Ralph's attack was later dismissed because Foster could not stand trial due to competency issues. Similar dismissals followed for 2025 charges of custodial assault and second-degree assault linked to mental health concerns.

Foster missed his arraignment scheduled for August 17, prompting a judge to confirm a bench warrant. He was eventually taken into custody on separate malicious mischief charges and booked into the King County Jail. Fox News Digital has contacted the governor's office for comment regarding these developments. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.