Police in Manteca, California, are investigating a threatening social media post directed at Mayor Gary Singh as the city approaches a closely watched mayoral election.
The post appeared in the Downtown Manteca Facebook group and included a statement suggesting that someone should shoot the mayor, according to police. Authorities said they verified that the post came from a legitimate account and are treating the matter seriously.
Investigators have not publicly identified the person suspected of making the threat. As of October 28, no arrest has been publicly announced in connection with the case.
The investigation comes at a sensitive time for Manteca, where Singh is seeking another term as mayor. Police say the case will be sent to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office once the investigation is complete, allowing prosecutors to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Police Confirmed the Facebook Account Was Genuine
The Manteca Police Department said it became aware of the threatening post over the weekend and began investigating.
One of the first steps was determining whether the account behind the message was authentic. Police confirmed that it was a legitimate account, although they have not disclosed the account holder’s identity publicly.
Authorities have not explained what prompted the post or whether the person responsible had any direct contact with Singh.
In a public statement, the department emphasized that disagreements with elected officials are part of public life, but threats of violence cross a different line.
Police said they would not tolerate threats directed at elected leaders, residents or anyone else in the community.
The department also encouraged people to raise concerns and express their political opinions peacefully, making clear that criticism of public officials is different from threatening someone’s life.
Investigation Could Lead to Criminal Charges
Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the post before forwarding the case to prosecutors.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office will review the evidence after investigators complete their work and decide whether charges should be filed.
That review is an important step because the existence of a threatening online message does not, by itself, establish every fact needed for a criminal case. Investigators and prosecutors must consider the available evidence and the applicable law.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what additional investigative steps remain or provided a timeline for completing the case.
Anyone with information about the Facebook post can contact the Manteca Police Department at 209-456-8101.
Mayor Singh Has Served Manteca for More Than a Decade
Singh has been involved in local government since 2011, when he served as a planning commissioner.
He won election to the Manteca City Council in 2016 and became mayor in 2022. His current campaign has placed him in the middle of an increasingly contentious local election season.
Singh is seeking another term in the November 3, 2026, election, where he faces challenger Jacob Naven.
The investigation has added another public-safety concern to an already tense campaign period. The threat itself does not establish a connection to any political opponent or campaign, and authorities have not announced a motive.
Security Concerns Extend Beyond Social Media
The threat comes amid broader concerns about safety surrounding Manteca’s political activity.
City Manager Toni Lundgren confirmed that security had already been increased at City Council meetings before the latest incident, according to local reporting. The development reflects concerns about maintaining a safe environment for public officials and residents attending government meetings.
Separately, campaign signs belonging to Singh had been set on fire in incidents reported in the weeks before the threat investigation. Those incidents added to concerns about political tensions in the city, although the available information does not establish that the fires and the Facebook threat were connected.
The separate incidents highlight the challenges local communities can face when political disagreements spill beyond public debate and into alleged intimidation or property damage.
For now, police have not publicly linked the online threat to the campaign-sign fires or identified a motive behind the Facebook post.
Where the Case Stands Now
The investigation remains active, and police are withholding the suspected poster’s identity while they continue their work.
Once the evidence is submitted, prosecutors will determine whether it supports criminal charges. Until then, authorities have not publicly announced an arrest or a final decision about prosecution.
The case also serves as a reminder that social media posts can have consequences beyond the online conversation in which they appear. Threats directed at public officials can prompt law enforcement investigations, particularly when they suggest specific acts of violence.
Manteca residents can disagree with their mayor, challenge city policies and debate the direction of local government. But police have stressed that political disagreements must not turn into threats against someone’s safety.
As election day approaches, investigators are working to determine who was responsible for the post and whether the available evidence supports further legal action.
