A Tacoma Police Department union official sent an allegedly threatening e-mail to the man who first disclosed Chief David Brames messy divorce, The News Tribune reported Wednesday.
John Hathaway is the 57-year-old publisher of the New Takoman, which regularly criticizes city government.
Police union President Patrick Frantz has been placed on administrative leave by acting Chief Catherine Woodard.
Frantz had been critical of media reports of allegations against Brame, who shot his wife Crystal, in the head Saturday before turning the gun on himself. David Brame died later Saturday.
His wife remains in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
