Assistant Attorney General apologizes for “uncivil” email

SALT LAKE CITY — Assistant Attorney General Steve Wuthrich has apologized for sending an expletive-laden email to Salt Lake City Council member and candidate for re-election, Darin Mano.

Wuthrich issued the following apology. 

Last Saturday I was awakened from a nap and reacted with undue anger based solely on the interruption to my tranquility. Since then I have regretted the ferocity and language of that email. My words were uncivil and unprofessional. From me personally I apologize to Salt Lake City Councilman Darin Mano and his family. I never wished harm to Mr. Mano, his family or anyone associated with him.  No parent, spouse or child should be subjected to such emotional outbursts. I am deeply sorry.”

Wuthrich also added that his employer, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, had nothing to do with that email. 

“That email was my sole responsibility and had nothing to do with my employer. The consequences for my conduct are mine alone. I wish Mr. Mano well in his official capacity and campaign,” the statement reads. 

Wuthrich also said he was taking steps to examine his reaction and to find ways to ensure nothing like this happens again.

Wuthrich refused to comment and hung up on KSL Newsradio Tuesday when called for comment. Then later issued this apology. 

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also sent the following statement:

“Like many, the Mayor was disgusted to read the letter Councilmember Mano received and she wants residents to know that there is no place for hate like this in Salt Lake City.” The statement also says that the Mayor has touched base with the AG’s executive staff on the letter.

In the email to Mano, Wuthrich took issue with Mano knocking and leaving a flyer on his door while out canvassing in Salt Lake’s District 5, where Mano is running for re-election to the City Council. During his canvassing, Mano knocked on Wuthrich’s door. When he returned home, the email was waiting for him.  It read, in part:  

“I hate you, I hate your family, I hate your solicitors, I hate your contributors, I hate your sponsors, Kindly die and go to (expletive deleted), (expletive deleted)!!!” the email reads.

Mano is Asian-American, and gay, and told KSL Newsradio he felt the email was hate-filled and threatening. Mano also said he had concerns because he left a flyer, with his contact information that had a picture of his family on it, at Wuthrich’s door. 

“I’m always aware that I’m shining a light on my family who is a bit different and part of a minority group, and so seeing that kinda brings home some of those concerns,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Utah Attorney General’s office said they are still considering disciplinary action for Wuthrich. 

Follow @lindsayonair