Baltimore Resident Arrested in Connection with Bomb Threat Targeting Washington County Courthouse

Authorities have concluded a coordinated investigation into a bomb threat that disrupted operations at the Circuit Court for Washington County earlier this month.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal announced that the threat, which also referenced harm to a sitting Circuit Court judge, was made during two separate phone calls received on Monday, February 2, 2026, between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. Court employees reported that the caller claimed a bomb had been placed inside the courthouse and that a judge would be killed.

Upon receiving the calls, court officials immediately activated established security procedures while law enforcement began a full-scale investigation.

Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Digital Investigations and Forensic Unit traced both threatening calls to a single prepaid cellular device. Investigators were able to determine the Baltimore-area retail store where the phone had been purchased.

State Fire Marshal investigators obtained store surveillance footage, which led to the identification of the individual who bought the phone. After distributing the suspect’s image to law enforcement partners and working closely with court personnel, authorities identified the individual as 32-year-old Jamil Nicholas Gardner of Baltimore, Maryland.

Charges were formally filed after investigators presented their findings. An arrest warrant was issued, and on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Gardner was taken into custody in Howard County by members of the United States Marshals Service, the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Maryland State Apprehension Team.

Gardner was transported to Washington County, where he is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center pending an appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

He faces multiple charges, including:

• Felony Intimidation or Influence of a Juror

• Two counts of False Statement Concerning a Destructive Device

• Two counts of Arson Threat

• Threat of Mass Violence

• Threat of Harm or Damage to a Court Facility

Law enforcement officials emphasized that threats against the judicial system are treated with the highest level of seriousness. Authorities reiterated that any act intended to disrupt court operations or intimidate judicial personnel will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.

As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.