Inmate arraigned on terrorism for Whitmer bomb threat

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A man currently in prison was arraigned Monday for allegedly threatening Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Jihaad Ahmad, 36, currently in prison for unarmed robbery committed in March of 2013, allegedly sent a letter to Whitmer's office in May 2024 after being denied parole. This letter allegedly threatened Whitmer's life and said that Ahmad would bomb her residence when he was released from prison.

This offense, False Report or Threat of Terrorism, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

Michigan State Police are currently in possession of the letter for further investigation.

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

Ahmad previously pled guilty to two unarmed robbery charges in 2008 and served one year and six months in prison. He was released in April 2010.

Ahmad will appear in 54-A District Court on Nov. 14, before Judge Cynthia Ward.