Ionia prisoner charged with threatening to bomb Gov. Whitmer’s home

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Michigan man faces terrorism charges for allegedly threatening to kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after being denied parole.

According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office , 36-year-old Jihaad Ahmad was arraigned Monday for the charge. He was charged with one count of false report or threat of terrorism, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.

He allegedly sent a letter to the governor's office this past May in which he "threatened the governor's life and to bomb her residence when he was released from prison."

According to Michigan Department of Corrections records , Ahmad is currently held at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia after being convicted of robbery in Oakland County in 2013. It was his third robbery conviction, leading to a maximum sentence of 22 years and 6 months behind bars. Ahmad has been eligible for parole since October 2014.

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

Ahmad's next court appearance is a probable cause hearing scheduled for Nov. 14.