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Officials warned of potential gang retaliations in wake of courthouse shooting

Posted at 9:25 PM, Apr 24, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-24 23:25:05-04

SALT LAKE CITY -- A courtroom shooting that killed an alleged member of the Tongan Crip Gang is now prompting threats for more bloodshed.

On Monday, a U.S. Marshal shot Siale Angilau several times, and then on Wednesday, the Salt Lake City Fire Department sent out an advisory to its staff, warning of possible retaliation by gang members.

“After the recent gang-related shooting at the Federal Courts Building, there have been several credible threats to law enforcement officers by the Tongan Crip Gang,” the notice stated.

Angilau was on trial for racketeering charges when authorities said he suddenly tried to attack a witness on the stand, leading to the shooting.

Related: Transcripts offer insight into fatal shooting at courthouse in Utah

According to SLCFD, “Threats indicate law enforcement can expect shootings aimed at the vehicles and homes of police officers who live in Glendale.”

In the notice, police and fire officials were advised to limit their exposure and voluntary activities in areas where gang members are known to frequent, including Riverside Park, Poplar Grove and Jordan Park.

“Gang members will take any target of opportunity, including scoping out the courts for attorneys walking to and from while the case is still hot,” officials warned. “Informants have gone so far as to mention specific gang officers in the RICO case.”

Salt Lake City police and fire officials would not comment on the notice to FOX 13 News, however, they did want to stress that they are operating as they normally would and not changing any of their practices because of the threats.

“In addition, detectives have been told that gang leaders expect TCG members to get out there and make some noise,” the letter read.