Michigan AG Dana Nessel warned residents of the penalties for bomb threats following the Grand Blanc shooting Sunday morning.
LANSING, Michigan — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents that bomb threats and other threats of violence carry severe criminal penalties. This comes after multiple false reports were made across the state following the shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc on Sunday.
According to Nessel, the copycat threats have created additional fear and disruption at a time when communities are still reeling from the events in Grand Blanc, which have been classified as an ‘Act of Targeted Violence’ by the FBI, which is now taking charge of the investigation.
“In the wake of the heartbreaking events in Grand Blanc, the last thing our communities need is fear and disruption from copycat threats,” Nessel said. “Threats of violence cost local communities tens of thousands of dollars and can put law enforcement at risk. Whether made with the intent to harm or as pranks, they are real crimes with very real consequences.”
Under Michigan law, possible charges and penalties for false reports of threats include malicious use of a telecommunications device, which is a misdemeanor and can lead to up to six months of incarceration. Several felony charges also exist, including communication of the placement or detonation of an explosive device and communicating a threat or false report of terrorism, which can respectively lead to up to ten to 20 years in prison.
The Institutional Desecration Act, which was signed into law in 2023, also makes it a felony to make threats or damage religious institutions, burial grounds or related facilities. The penalty is up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $15,000 or three times the amount of damage caused.
State officials urge anyone with information about false threats or bomb reports to contact local law enforcement or the Michigan State Police.
Anyone with information related to the Grand Blanc investigation is asked to contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or submit an online tip here.
This article was published by Ashley Taylor on 2025-09-29 17:27:00
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