Inmate who had been denied parole is accused of threatening to bomb Gov. Whitmer's home

Max Reinhart, The Detroit News on Nov 7, 2024

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DETROIT — A man serving time for robbery is accused of threatening to bomb Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's residence as retaliation for being denied parole.

Jihaad Ahmad, 36, is incarcerated at the Bellamy Creek Correction Facility in Ionia, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections website. Records indicate he was sentenced in June 2013 to a maximum 22 years and 6 months for a robbery case in Oakland County. He had previously served about a year and a half for two counts of robbery related to a 2008 Wayne County case.

In May, after he was denied parole, he allegedly sent a letter to Whitmer's office in which he "threatened the Governor's life and to bomb her residence when he was released from prison," according to a press release Thursday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Michigan State Police investigated, Nessel said. Ahmad was arraigned Monday in Lansing's 54-A District Court on a charge of false report or threat of terrorism.

“Violence and violent rhetoric directed at elected officials pose significant threats to not only them but our democracy as a whole,” Nessel said. “My department is committed to prosecuting this offense to the fullest extent of the law.”

If convicted, Ahmad could spend an additional 20 years behind bars and be fined up to $20,000.

His next court appearance is set for Nov. 14 before Judge Cynthia Ward.

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