Point Roberts man indicted for border crossing attack

A 34-year-old man accused of attacking the Point Roberts border crossing with an ax and threatening to kill federal officers has been indicted on two federal charges stemming from a February incident.

Brandon C. Brandreth-Gibbs was charged Oct. 21 in U.S. District Court in Seattle with threatening federal officers and destruction of government property, according to a federal grand jury indictment.

The charges stem from a Feb. 21 incident in which Brandreth-Gibbs allegedly arrived on foot at the Point Roberts port of entry carrying an ax, according to court documents first reported by KING 5 News.

Investigators said Brandreth-Gibbs struck the entrance doors of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection building, cracking the bulletproof glass. When an officer opened a door to speak with him, Brandreth-Gibbs allegedly placed his foot in the doorway to prevent it from closing.

He then allegedly used the ax to smash the windshield and four side windows of a Customs and Border Protection vehicle parked at the crossing.

During the confrontation, Brandreth-Gibbs threatened to build a bomb in his truck and return to blow up the officers and the border facility, according to Whatcom County Superior Court documents cited by KING 5.

Three Customs and Border Protection officers told investigators they feared for their safety and believed he might carry out the threat. Officers were particularly concerned because Brandreth-Gibbs had mentioned a bomb in his truck, which was parked at the port of entry.

An officer estimated the damage to the building and vehicle at more than $10,000.

Brandreth-Gibbs left the crossing before Whatcom County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived but returned while deputies were searching for him. He was arrested without incident.

Investigators reported finding an ax, a long-bladed knife and a small machete among his belongings on the hood of the damaged vehicle.

Following his arrest, deputies initially sought several state charges, including first-degree burglary, felony harassment, malicious mischief, threats to bomb or injure property and criminal trespass.

The federal indictment alleges Brandreth-Gibbs threatened to assault and murder three Customs and Border Protection officers to intimidate or interfere with them in the performance of their duties. It also charges him with intentionally damaging a federal pursuit vehicle, causing more than $1,000 in damage.

Federal court records filed Oct. 21 indicated Brandreth-Gibbs remained in local custody in Whatcom County, with prosecutors requesting continued detention.