ARLINGTON — Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney has come under fire for inviting the controversial far-right sheriff and U.S. Senate candidate from Arizona to speak at a private campaign fundraiser on Saturday.

Self-proclaimed “U.S. Sheriff” Mark Lamb said: Sympathy for the January 6 rioters And he refused to enforce state stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortney argued that Washington’s stay-at-home order was unconstitutional.

Lam: “No vaccine, no mask” Post to Instagram “The test was positive for American fever!”

In 2022, he said: at an anti-immigrant rally held by American Immigration Reform Leaguehas been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Mr. Lam, who frequently appears on Fox News, is also associated with “.constitutional sheriffmovement promotes the belief that the sheriff is the highest legal authority in the United States, replacing the federal government and even the president. He is currently challenging incumbent Senator Kirsten Cinema. Democrat turned independentfor the Arizona office.

Incumbent Fortney is being challenged by Bothell Police Deputy Chief Susannah Johnson, who invited about 30 people to a wine tasting to raise money for her campaign on Thursday. Speakers at Johnson’s event were Rep. April Burg, Democrat Mill Creek, and former executive director of Snohomish County Domestic Violence Services, Vitch Hilti.

Fortney expects about 100 guests to attend his event in Arlington on Saturday, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $250. Lam is the sheriff of Pinal County, the third most populous county in the state. Fortney also invited Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders.

In an interview, Fortney said he invited Lamb because the Arizona sheriff runs an “innovative” sheriff. Youth Redirect Program.Fortney echoed his concept LEAD the way program, He explained that it is an eight-week class for children to develop life skills such as decision-making, accountability and leadership.

When asked if he agreed with Lamb’s policy, Fortney quickly became furious.

“You’re talking[expletively]about three years ago,” Fortney said. “We invited fellow elected sheriffs who we think are doing great things for the community.”

“I don’t want to talk anymore,” he continued. “I’m done with this. I’m done with this.”

Fortney then told the Daily Herald reporter to leave the office and declined to comment on his fundraising, campaign or other aspects of the platform.

Attendees at Johnson’s event were not required to purchase tickets, but were encouraged to donate $50.

Berg, a mother of six and a longtime county resident, called Fortney’s hosting of Lamb “abhorrent.”

“As a member of the community, I feel less safe,” Berg said in an interview. “So it’s just a conclusion.”

Mr Johnson also said he did not understand Mr Fortney’s decision to invite Mr Lam.

“Lamb has a documented track record of hate speech,” Johnson said. “He is an outspoken supporter of the Jan. 6 riots and condones the violence and deaths of law enforcement officers. I can’t stand people like that.”

Susannah Johnson (photo courtesy)

“Overall, I don’t think these extremist views represent the values ​​of Snohomish County,” Johnson continued. “It worries me.”

Lamb and Sanders could not be reached for comment.

Berg cited Fortney’s decision to reinstate several sheriffs fired by former sheriffs as one of the reasons for not supporting Fortney. She also criticized Fortney’s response to “What Happened on First Street,” where 100 armed vigilantes gathered in Snohomish with guns, tactical gear and at least one Confederate flag to “protect” the boutique from alleged Antifa marauders who never appeared.

Among those wearing tactical gear in Snohomish that week was Daniel “Milkshake” Scott, a member of the hate group Proud Boys, who was on the front lines of the Jan. 6 uprising. Scott was sentenced earlier this month to five years in prison for assaulting a Capitol police officer.

“I don’t feel like I’m getting enough service from my current sheriff as a resident, but more importantly, Susannah would make a great sheriff,” Berg said. “She’s qualified, dedicated, purposeful, and has the experience to really put us back in a place where everyone in the community feels safe.”

Arlington will hold an LGBTQ+ pride event Saturday ahead of Fortney’s fundraiser, but the state attorney general’s office has called on city leaders to enforce a ban on openly carrying firearms over concerns that protesters will show up and try to intimidate them.

Fortney’s event is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM at The Mule Palace at 19920 43rd Ave NE.

K.Ira J. Dunn: 425-339-3449; kayla.dunn@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @KaylaJ_Dunn.