Jihaad Ahmad

LANSING — Jihaad Ahmad, 36, currently incarcerated by the Michigan Department of Corrections, was arraigned on Monday in Lansing’s 54-A District Court on one count of false report or threat of terrorism, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Ahmad is charged for allegedly threatening Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The state alleges that in response to being denied parole, Ahmad sent a letter to Whitmer’s office in May, where he threatened the governor’s life and to bomb her residence when he was released from prison. The Michigan State Police was provided the letter 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 offense is punishable by up to 20 years’ incarceration and/or up to a $20,000 fine.