Man arraigned on terrorism after threatening letter sent to Gov. Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - A man who is currently incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections has been arraigned on charges of false report or threat of terrorism.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Jihaad Ahmad, 36, was arraigned on Monday in Lansing's 54-A District Court on one count of False Report or Threat of Terrorism. Ahmad is charged for allegedly threatening Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

According to the State of Michigan, in response to being denied parole, Ahmad sent a letter to Gov. Whitmer's office in May 2024 in which he threatened the governor's life and to bomb her residence when he was released from prison.

The threatening letter was handed over to Michigan State Police for investigation.

"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."

The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $20,000 fine. Ahmad will next appear in 54-A District Court on Thursday, Nov. 14 before Judge Cynthia Ward.