Michigan to Close Legislative Office Buildings Due to 'Credible Threats of Violence'

The US state House and Senate office buildings will remain closed on Monday as officials warn of security risks, and as previously announced the Capitol will be closed to the public for the day.

State Rep. Kevin Hertel (D) tweeted that the closure was occurring "because credible threats have been made as Michigan's electors to the Electoral College will meet at the Capitol."

Amber McCann, a spokeswoman for state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R) told the Detroit Free Press that the Senate would keep its buildings closed “based on recommendations from law enforcement.”

"The decision was not made because of anticipated protests, but based on credible threats of violence," McCann said, The Hill reported.

Gideon D’Assandro, a spokesman for House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R) did not give details about the security risk but told the news outlet, “House and Senate leadership conferred with” Michigan State Police before making the decision “to ensure everyone’s safety.”

The Detroit Free Press cited unconfirmed reports of threats against Michigan’s delegates to the Electoral College, expected to vote for US President-elect Joe Biden Monday afternoon.

The concerns about violence come as US President Donald Trump and other Republicans have contested the election results in Michigan and other battleground states Biden won. The president and his campaign have challenged the results in several lawsuits without success, promoting unfounded claims of voter fraud.

House Minority Leader-elect Donna Lasinski (D) criticized the “shameful actions by certain Republicans to smear our democratic institutions and deny the clear will of the voters” for creating a “dangerous, hostile atmosphere.”

tasnim