Michigan Government Buildings Closed Due To 'Credible Threats'

MICHIGAN — Michigan government buildings all closed Monday due to "credible threats" made ahead of the state's scheduled Electoral College vote for president, according to multiple state legislators.

The Michigan Capitol also is closed to the public, officials said. The state's 16 electors are still scheduled to meet for an in-person vote at 2 p.m., however.

"All House offices have been closed tomorrow because credible threats have been made as Michigan’s electors to the Electoral College will meet at the Capitol," state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) said in a post on Twitter.

"I don’t know who needs to hear this but trying to overturn the results of a free and fair election does not make you a patriot, it makes you the opposite of one.," he added.

Safety was a concern of state officials ahead of reported threats regarding Monday's Electoral College vote. On Friday, state officials said that the 16 electors would have police escorts to ensure their safety as they made their way to the Capitol for the vote.

Read More: Michigan Electors To Have Police Escort Ahead Of Monday Vote

The report of police escorts came after a group claiming there was widespread fraud committed in the Nov. 3 general election said it would protest the Electoral College vote from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

That group — Stop the Steal — has already held protests across the nation claiming that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from President Donald Trump despite Joe Biden winning the election both in electoral and popular votes.

In Michigan, Biden won by more than 154,000 votes. Armed Stop the Steal protesters last week showed up at the home of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and shouted obscenities at her from outside until police arrived.

Demonstrations outside the Capitol building often include armed protesters — Michigan is an open carry state — something that has taken place more than once throughout the coronavirus pandemic as residents protested restrictions implemented by Michigan's Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat.

Related: Hundreds Of Protesters, Some Armed, Stream Into Michigan Capitol

That issue was cited by Michigan Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who said it wouldn't be a concern for those working at the Capitol because lawmakers passed a bill banning firearms from the Capitol premises.

"We can't keep shutting down the People's House because gunmen might show up," she said.