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Burlington Man Arrested for Threatening City Manager
Raymond Sourwine charged with harassment after leaving voicemail warning and violating no-contact order
Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:09pm
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A threatening message sent to a city manager exposes the risks public officials face from unstable residents.Burlington TodayA 63-year-old Burlington man named Raymond Sourwine was arrested and charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly leaving a threatening voicemail for City Manager Chad Bird, warning him he had 'put a target around (his) own neck' and suggesting potential violence if his demands were not met. Sourwine was previously warned to stop contacting Bird and was later arrested again for violating a no-contact order by sending additional threatening text messages.
Why it matters
Threats against public officials can undermine trust in local government and raise concerns about public safety. This incident highlights the challenges city managers face in dealing with aggressive or unstable residents, and the importance of clear communication and enforcement of protective orders.
The details
According to a criminal complaint, Sourwine left the threatening voicemail on Bird's personal phone, warning him that he had 'put a target around (his) own neck' and suggesting potential violence if his demands were not met. Investigators said Sourwine had previously been warned in February to stop contacting Bird after sending earlier threatening communications. Police later made contact with Sourwine at his home, where he allegedly made additional concerning statements. A no-contact order was issued to protect Bird, but Sourwine was arrested again the following day for violating that order after sending additional text messages.
- On April 7, Sourwine was taken into custody by the Burlington Police Department.
- In February, Sourwine was previously warned to stop contacting Bird.
- On the day after his initial arrest, Sourwine was arrested again for violating the no-contact order.
The players
Raymond Sourwine
A 63-year-old Burlington resident who was arrested and charged with second-degree harassment for allegedly sending threatening messages to the city manager.
Chad Bird
The City Manager of Burlington, Iowa, who received the threatening voicemail and text messages from Sourwine.
What they’re saying
“You have put a target around (your) own neck.”
— Raymond Sourwine
What’s next
The judge will decide on Sourwine's bond and whether he will be allowed to await trial outside of jail.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of clear communication between residents and local government, as well as the need for effective protective measures to ensure the safety of public officials when they face threats of violence.
