SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 29 March 2024, Friday |

Michigan man arrested after alleged threats against governor, Biden

A Michigan man was detained and accused of illegally possessing firearms after he threatened the lives of President Joe Biden and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

According to a criminal complaint submitted in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, federal agents discovered threats posted on YouTube this week after receiving an online tip from YouTube owner Google. These threats included threats to FBI agents as well as members of the LGBTQ community.

An investigation led to Randall Robert Berka II, who lives in Sebewaing, Michigan, and was illegally in the possession of firearms after having been committed to a mental institution and while a daily user of marijuana, the Justice Department said. Berka, 30, illegally possessed four firearms, three long guns and a pistol, the Justice Department said.

Berka faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

 

The Justice Department said that among statements Berka posted were: “im going to kill these democrats biden deserves to die” and “im gonna kill lgbt freaks.”

At his initial court appearance on Friday, a federal judge ordered Berka to be detained pending another hearing on March 15, CNN reported.

Whitmer has been threatened previously, including a plot to kidnap her in 2020. Late last year, a right-wing militia member was sentenced to over 19 years in prison and another ringleader sentenced to 16 years over the foiled plot.

    Source:
  • Reuters