LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist says he and his family were targeted with a credible bomb threat at their home on Thursday, which has been cleared.
“Earlier today, there was a credible bomb threat to my home, where Ellen and I raise our young children. The threat has been cleared, and I am grateful to law enforcement for their quick response and for keeping my family and our neighborhood safe,” Gilchrist said in a statement.
The threat happened a day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Police are continuing to investigate the deadly shooting of Kirk including finding a suspect.
Gilchrist said the escalation of political violence cannot be tolerated.
“I know that people are on edge—it’s a scary time. This incident came just a day after the murder of Charlie Kirk and in the midst of an escalating pattern of political violence in Michigan and in America. The purpose of this violence is to silence, intimidate, and eliminate people and their voices from our society. That won’t work on me. We cannot let this remain our reality.
“We cannot tolerate political violence. We cannot excuse it. We cannot normalize it. We have to push through this and do the work to do better. It’s not easy, but nothing important ever is. It’s up to us to dig deep and commit to ending violence and creating a safe, healthy society.”
7 News Detroit reached out to Michigan State Police. A spokesperson for the department said they have nothing to add to the lieutenant governor’s statement.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement:
"I'm grateful that Lt. Governor Gilchrist and his family are safe after the bomb threat at his home today. Let me be clear -- political violence is unacceptable and has no place in Michigan. As Michiganders, we must reject all political violence and work towards a safer future."
