(WWJ) A young man has been charged with terrorism for allegedly threatening to kill President Joe Biden, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan Attorney General alleges that 21-year-old Joshua Docter of Holland, Michigan, made the threats on the social media platform iFunny.
The FBI began investigating online posts made in January, in which it's alleged Doctor said he would use a gun to shoot and kill the elected officials and would “be the catalyst” for a new American revolution.
Docter also had information on how to make a bomb and where to find the necessary materials on his phone, officials said.
"I think gratitude really needs to be noted for the individuals who saw these threats, and took it upon themselves to report those threats," said AG spokesperson Kelly Rossman McKinney told WWJ's Sandra McNeill. "...It is to those people we owe a great deal of thanks."
Michigan State Police continued the investigation initiated by federal agents, and referred the case to the Michigan AG's office for prosecution.
Charges were filed Monday, the AG said, and Docter turned himself in Tuesday for an arraignment in Ottawa County's 58th District Court.
“Threatening elected officials is against the law and my office will prosecute those who attempt to intimidate or terrorize our state and federal leaders,” Michigan AG Dana 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.”
Docter is charged with one count of threat of terrorism and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, both 20-year felonies. [View the charging document]
He is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on April 8, followed by a preliminary exam on April 15.
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