HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland resident Joshua Doctor, 21, is facing one count of threat of terrorism and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, after allegedly issuing death threats aimed at President Joe Biden, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Each charge is a felony and carries a 20-year penalty.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges, filed Monday in Ottawa County 58th District Court, in Holland. Doctor turned himself in Tuesday, March 16, 2021, and was arraigned on the charges before Judge Bradley Knoll.
The FBI initiated an investigation, according to Nessel’s statement, following tips about about threats Doctor allegedly shared on the social media platform, iFunny. Michigan State Police picked up the investigation and referred the case to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for action.
“Threatening elected officials is against the law and my office will prosecute those who attempt to intimidate or terrorize our state and federal leaders,” Nessel said. “I appreciate the thorough investigative work by the FBI and Michigan State Police on this case, and I consider it another excellent example of showcasing the dedication that those working in law enforcement have to protecting the public.”
Doctor posted multiple threatening comments on the social media platform in January 2021, according to court documents. In those posts, Doctor allegedly stated he would use a gun to shoot and kill the elected officials and would “be the catalyst” for a new American revolution. Doctor also had information on how to make a bomb, according to Nessel’s statement, and where to find the necessary materials on his smart phone.
Doctor is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference on April 8, 2021, and a preliminary exam on April 15, 2021.
