FLINT (WWJ) - A Davison Township man was charged with two felonies after authorities say he threatened UAW President Shawn Fain two days before union workers went on strike.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the Genesee County Sheriff's Office began their investigation after Zachary David White, 31, allegedly sent a "series of threatening text messages" to Fain's cell phone around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
White was identified and arrested. Leyton charged the 31-year-old on Friday (Sept. 15) with false report or threat of terrorism, a 20-year-felony, and false report or threat of a bomb or harmful device, a 4-year felony.
“I am not going to second guess Mr. White’s intentions nor am I going to view his messages as idle threats,” Leyton said after announcing the charges. “Such tactics, no matter the reason, are uncalled for, inappropriate, dangerous and against the law."
Leyton praised Sheriff Swanson and his team for their immediate attention to the case in coordination with security services with the UAW.
Leyton did not specify the nature of the text messages that White is accused of sending and additional information about the case was not released.
White is expected to be arraigned on the charges in Flint.
The alleged threats came less than 48 hours before Fain called on union workers at three Midwest plants to walk out in a historic strike against the Big Three Detroit automakers, Ford, GM and Stellantis.