Steve Kjarmo Faces Backlash After Threatening Bishop Talbert Swan

Richland, Washington — Controversy erupted online after Steve Kjarmo reportedly threatened Bishop Talbert Swan in a comment on social media, drawing widespread attention and condemnation.

According to Bishop Swan, Kjarmo wrote: “You’re a complete idiot. Post on my page again and you’ll be a dead one.” Swan shared the exchange publicly, explaining that he had never posted on Kjarmo’s page or interacted with him prior to the threat.

Bishop Swan Speaks Out

In a detailed statement, Bishop Swan described the incident as part of a broader pattern of threats he and other Black Americans face online. He emphasized that the threat was unprovoked and highlighted the dangers of online harassment fueled by racism and white supremacy.

Swan wrote that such incidents reflect a deeper issue: “When Black people speak truth to power—when we challenge racism, white supremacy, Christian nationalism, or injustice—there is a segment of white America that immediately resorts to threats, vulgarity, and violence. Not dialogue. Not debate. Violence.”

He also criticized the hypocrisy of individuals who claim moral or religious authority while resorting to intimidation and threats. Swan called for accountability, noting that threatening someone’s life is a criminal act, not free speech.

Broader Context

Bishop Swan used the incident to highlight systemic issues, explaining that white supremacy often frames violence as an acceptable response when individuals cannot dominate or silence Black voices. He pointed to historical and modern examples of such patterns, from slavery and lynching to contemporary online threats.

Swan concluded: “Black people speaking truth is not violence. Calling out injustice is not hate. Refusing to submit to white supremacy is not provocation.”

Authorities have not publicly commented on the threat made by Kjarmo, and it remains unclear whether legal action has been initiated.