LANSING (WWJ) -- A Michigan lawmaker is having their life threatened, and police are opening an investigation into the matter.
On Tuesday, Rep. Cynthia A. Johnson (D-Detroit) received another death threat, in what has become a long line of attacks against her using racist and misogynistic language, according to the House Democratic Caucus.
“This is nothing new,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is the same hate and violence Black Americans have faced for generations. This is the same sexist vitriol endured by women in power throughout history. These are the same manipulative tactics used by perpetrators of domestic violence to belittle victims into submission.”
Johnson also added that she refuses to be silenced by domestic terrorists, saying, “How dare they think I will take this lying down. Black women have fought this fight for too long. We’re tired from this fight, but we will not take this lying down.”
The Detroit News reports that the threat came in the form of a voicemail, which was sent to Johnson on Tuesday. In the message, a female voice said “you will die,” made various comments about shooting Johnson, and used racist language.
Johnson, who was alerted by a staffer about the voicemail, then sent it to the authorities, including the Detroit police, State police and FBI.
The investigation into the threats made against Johnson, as well as threats that have been recently made against various other state lawmakers, were confirmed on Tuesday by officials.
Michigan State Police have also increased their presence at the Michigan Capitol in recent months, following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in January.
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The threats against Johnson reportedly began after she questioned witnesses called by Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, during a House Oversight Committee hearing back in December. The hearing dealt with claims of election fraud during vote counting at the TCF Center in Detroit, which were unproven.