A Facebook post encouraging gun violence against Manteca Mayor Gary Singh is the subject of a Manteca Police investigation.

The post included a statement suggesting someone should shoot Singh.

The account an individual posted the threat from over the weekend on the Downtown Manteca Facebook Group page was confirmed by Manteca Police as being legitimate.

Due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigation, the department is not releasing the identity of the suspect at this time.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office for review and consideration of criminal charges.

“The Manteca Police Department wants to be absolutely clear: Threats of violence against elected officials, community members, or anyone else will not be tolerated in our city,” it was noted in an official department release Monday by Sgt. Steve Beermann. “Every person has the right to express their opinions, voice concerns, and disagree with elected leaders. However, there is a clear difference between expressing an opinion and threatening someone's life.”

City Manager Toni Lundgren confirmed that prior to the incident, security had been stepped up for City Council meetings.

Typically, the police chief — or someone in his command structure — is at a council meeting and is armed.

In the past —during the 1990s and 2000s when there have been hot issues where emotions have been raw — the department has had a uniformed officer attend council meetings typically standing by the main entrance.

Stockton requires those attending City Council meetings to pass through a metal detector and then submit to a search of items that they carry into the council chambers.

Lathrop has been weighing additional council meetings security measures from having an armed officer with a police dog up to a metal detector as well.

It marks the first time during a Manteca campaign that physical violence has been advocated against an incumbent or a candidate on social media.

A number of Singh’s campaign signs have been lit on fire including one that spread to a nearby field of dry vegetation where it also burned trees.

The police department release goes on to state:

“Threatening violence is not an acceptable way to express disagreement. The Manteca Police Department takes these incidents seriously and will thoroughly investigate reported threats. When evidence supports criminal charges, we will work with the District Attorney's Office to pursue accountability under the law.

“ As our community engages in discussions about local issues and elections, we encourage everyone to do so respectfully and peacefully. Political disagreements should never escalate into threats, intimidation, or violence. This also includes vandalism, destruction, or burning of campaign signs, which may result in criminal charges.

Our message to the community is simple: You have every right to disagree, but you do not have the right to threaten, intimidate, or harm others. The safety of our residents, elected officials, and community remains a top priority for the Manteca Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding this threatening Facebook post is encouraged to contact the Manteca Police Department at (209) 456-8101 and reference Case No. 26-05031.”