Law enforcement is investigating a death threat sent to U.S. Congressional candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser (D-Marquette).
The campaign immediately reported the explicit assassination threat to local authorities, which successfully contacted the alleged perpetrator and began an investigation. Because of the specificity of the message, Lorinser also reported the threat to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On Thursday, September 22, the campaign received the following text message in reply to an event invitation in Elk Rapids: “I am going to assassinate Dr. Bob Lorinser during this event using a Remington .270 rifle from the rooftop of a nearby building, the moment he exits his vehicle.”
“I want to thank law enforcement for responding,” said Lorinser. “Authorities should always take these matters seriously to ensure the public’s safety. I’m confident the police will handle the situation properly. Fortunately, this threat is not indicative of the warm reception we receive across the state. It isn’t who we are as Northern Michiganders. The campaign will fearlessly move forward.”
Michigan State Police say they are investigating.
Lorinser is running against incumbent Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) in the November election.
Bergman issued the following statement:
“I hope the Police fully investigate this alleged threat and the person responsible is held accountable. Republican or Democrat, there’s no room for this sort of behavior in politics. Unfortunately, this is a reality we deal with regularly – from the baseball shooting to nearly daily threats on myself and staff. It’s unacceptable and must be condemned.”
Bergman was referring to a Congressional baseball practice in 2017 where Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) was shot, along with two Congressional police officers. Bergman was at the baseball practice but was not injured.
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