LANSING – Following yesterday’s tragic shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, multiple copycat bomb threats have been reported across Michigan. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding residents that threats of violence, including false reports, carry serious criminal consequences. 

“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.”   

Making a false report of or threat of a bomb is a crime in the state of Michigan. Possible charges and penalties can include:  

• Malicious use of a telecommunications device, a six-month misdemeanor;
• Communication of the placement or detonation of an explosive device, a 10-year felony; and
• Communicating a threat or false report of terrorism, a 20-year felony. 

In 2023, Michigan passed the Institutional Desecration Act, which levies criminal penalties when a person makes a true threat, or “intentionally destroys, damages, defaces, or vandalizes, or threatens, by word or act, to destroy, damage, deface, or vandalize” religious institutions, burial grounds, or facilities, and more. The penalty for this felony is up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000 or three times the amount of destruction or injury. 

Anyone with information about a false report of a threat or bomb should contact their local law enforcement agency or Michigan State Police (MSP) post. MSP also has information available online or at mi.gov/StopaPlot on how to report or identify suspicious behavior. Anyone who believes they have information that may be helpful in the investigation in Grand Blanc should contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.