Nessel charges Michigan man accused of threatening to kill Whitmer, Biden, and Pelosi

A Holland man was arraigned Tuesday on charges of threatening to kill President Joe Biden, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Joshua Docter, 21, with one count of threat of terrorism and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, both of which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The FBI was tipped off about Docter allegedly posting threats on social media in January. Michigan State Police took over the investigation.

“Threatening elected officials is against the law and my office will prosecute those who attempt to intimidate or terrorize our state and federal leaders,” Nessel said in a statement. “I appreciate the thorough investigative work by the FBI and Michigan State Police on this case, and I consider it another excellent example of showcasing the dedication that those working in law enforcement have to protecting the public.”

In the posts, Docter is accused of saying he would “be the catalyst” for a new American revolution by shooting the elected officials, all of whom are Democrats.

Police also discovered that he had information on how to make a bomb and where to find bomb-making materials.

Docter is the latest Michigan resident to be charged with threatening Democrats. Last month, Nessel charged Daniel Thompson, 62, of Harrison, after he allegedly left threatening messages for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and making threatening calls to U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s office.

In October, 14 men were arrested on charges of plotting to kidnap Whitmer.

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