The burial of slain Springfield police officer has been closed to the public after a patient infected with COVID-19 threatened to show up to try and infect police officers.

Springfield police department spokeswoman Jasmine Bailey confirmed the threat to OI Friday.

Bailey told OI the threat could be criminal act, but that it’s in a “grey” area. OI has reached out to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for clarification and will update this story if we receive a response.

The public can still view the processional on Battlefield Road from Kansas Expressway to Lone Pine, but will be turned away if they attempt to enter the cemetery.

The service will be live streamed on the Springfield Police Department’s Facebook Page.

As for the funeral itself, the funeral home was given permission from Springfield-Greene County Health Department Director Clay Goddard, Springfield City Manager Jason Gage and Governor Mike Parson to hold the funeral for Officer Walsh.

Governor Parson also ordered flags in the state to fly at half-mast for Officer Walsh.

“Officer Christopher Walsh leaves us with a legacy of brave, selfless service to Missouri and our nation that is an inspiration to us all. His commitment to public service included two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during his 14 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and three years as an officer with the Springfield Police Department,” Governor Parson said in his order. “On Sunday, he was tragically and senselessly killed after rushing to an active shooting scene and courageously attempting to provide life-saving care to a civilian shooting victim. Officer Walsh is a hero we will never forget.”