Current:Home > MyMan stopped in August outside Michigan governor’s summer mansion worked for anti-Democrat PAC -MarketLink
Man stopped in August outside Michigan governor’s summer mansion worked for anti-Democrat PAC
View
Date:2025-04-22 19:21:15
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A man dressed in black who works for a group specializing in opposition research about Democrats was stopped while climbing a bluff near Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s summer residence in August, according to a police report obtained by The Associated Press.
The man, whose name was redacted in the document, said he worked as a “political tracker” for America Rising, a political action committee that works in support of Republicans.
He said he was “climbing the hill to get a ‘view up here’ when he was stopped Aug. 26. When members of the Executive Protection Section advised there was no view to see where he was at, (the man) stated, ‘I guess I’m leaving now,’” state police said.
The mansion on Mackinac Island is a summer residence for any Michigan governor in office. It’s located “on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac,” according to the island’s tourism office.
Police followed up with an interview at the man’s apartment on Sept. 12.
The man said he had no plan to harm Whitmer and simply wanted to take photos of “political figures” who might be visiting with her outdoors, according to the report.
The man said he didn’t know he couldn’t be there “because there were no signs posted,” Det. Sgt. Aaron Sitko wrote.
The governor’s team would not confirm whether she was at the Mackinac Island residence on Aug. 26, citing security concerns.
State police spokeswoman Lori Dougovito said Tuesday that the investigation is closed.
Separately, the state police director, Col. James Grady II, said: “We are monitoring this situation to understand the scope of the individual’s intentions and connections to any known previous or ongoing threats against all government officials.”
Whitmer was the target of a kidnapping scheme in 2020. Nine people were convicted at trial or pleaded guilty. Five were acquitted.
Her chief of staff said the August incident on Mackinac Island was considered “extremely serious,” in light of the previous criminal cases.
“The governor deserves the right to safety and privacy,” JoAnne Huls said.
America Rising did not respond to questions from the AP.
State police learned that the man had been confronted at political events in the past.
In July, in Brighton, Michigan, the man was questioned after “posing as media and attempting to gain entry into the building” at an event featuring Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin and U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, police said.
The man said he “wanted to call her out,” police said.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Small twin
- Seattle police officer who struck and killed graduate student from India won’t face felony charges
- Psst! Today’s Your Last Chance to Shop Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James Sitewide Sale
- Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt sentenced to up to 30 years in prison in child abuse case
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- 'NBA on TNT' analyst Kenny Smith doubles down on Steph vs. Sabrina comments
- Artist Michael Deas on earning the stamp of approval
- 'NBA on TNT' analyst Kenny Smith doubles down on Steph vs. Sabrina comments
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Federal appeals court revokes Obama-era ban on coal leasing
Ranking
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Amanda Bynes Reveals Her Favorite Role—and the Answer Will Surprise You
- Discover's merger with Capital One may mean luxe lounges, better service, plus more perks
- Fear for California woman Ksenia Karelina after arrest in Russia on suspicion of treason over Ukraine donation
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Disaster follows an astronaut back to Earth in the thriller 'Constellation'
- Red states that have resisted Medicaid expansion are feeling pressure to give up.
- Tom Sandoval apologizes for comparing 'Vanderpump Rules' scandal to O.J. Simpson, George Floyd
Recommendation
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
February's full moon is coming Saturday. It might look smaller than usual.
Some international flights are exceeding 800 mph due to high winds. One flight arrived almost an hour early.
Nikki Haley vows to stay in race, ramping up attacks on Trump
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
As Congress lags, California lawmakers take on AI regulations
What is the birthstone for March? There's actually 2. Get to know the spring month's gems.
Prince William wants to see end to Israel-Hamas war 'as soon as possible'