A Michigan man was arrested after authorities say he made “credible threats to kill” Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that it is charging Robert Sinclair Tesh, 32, with false report of a threat of terrorism, according to the Detroit News. He was first arraigned last month.
Tesh is accused of making death threats against both Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on April 14 over social media when he was communicating with an acquaintance. The relationship between Tesh and the acquaintance is not clear.
“The alleged facts, in this case, lay out a very disturbing scenario,” prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “We understand that these times can be stressful and upsetting for many people. But we will not and cannot tolerate threats like these against any public official who are carrying out their duties as efficiently as they can.”
Whitmer’s state has been a hot spot for both COVID-19 infections and protests against her strict stay-at-home order. Some of the protesters have been seen carrying violent signs, including one late last month that read, “Tyrants get the rope.”
The Republican leader of the state’s Senate condemned the violent and threatening comments that have been said about Whitmer on social media.
“These folks are thugs, and their tactics are despicable,” said state Sen. Mike Shirkey. “It is never OK to threaten the safety or life of another person, elected or otherwise, period.”
If convicted, Tesh could face a maximum of 20 years in prison.
