BMore man charged for threatening to kill judge, bomb courthouse

Suspect Jamil Nicholas Gardner arrested for making bomb threat and threatening a Washington County judge

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 32-year-old Baltimore man named Jamil Nicholas Gardner has been charged with making a bomb threat against the Washington County Circuit Court and threatening to kill a sitting judge. The threat was made via a prepaid cell phone, leading investigators to track down Gardner through surveillance footage and coordination with court personnel.

Why it matters

Threats against the judicial system and public safety are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, as they can disrupt court proceedings, endanger lives, and undermine public trust in the legal system. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and swift action to apprehend suspects who make such threats.

The details

On February 2, two courthouse employees received phone calls stating there was a bomb inside the courthouse and that a judge was going to die. Court security protocols were immediately implemented, and an investigation was launched. Detectives traced the calls to a prepaid cell phone purchased at a Baltimore retail location, and identified the suspect as Jamil Nicholas Gardner through surveillance footage. Gardner was arrested on February 11 by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Maryland State Apprehension Team.

  • On February 2, between 7:30-7:40 a.m., the threatening calls were made.
  • On February 11, Gardner was taken into custody.

The players

Jamil Nicholas Gardner

A 32-year-old Baltimore resident who has been charged with making a bomb threat against the Washington County Circuit Court and threatening to kill a sitting judge.

Washington County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that coordinated the investigation with the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Office of the State Fire Marshal of Maryland

The state agency that obtained surveillance footage, identified the suspect, and worked with the U.S. Marshals Service to apprehend Gardner.

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What’s next

Gardner is currently being held at the Washington County Detention Center pending an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the swift and thorough response by law enforcement to address threats against the judicial system, highlighting the importance of protecting the integrity of the courts and ensuring public safety in the face of such criminal acts.