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SOS Jocelyn Benson threatened at her private residence

December 7, 2020
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a press conference on Nov. 2, 2020. Courtesy photo by Michigan Secretary of State's office.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a press conference on Nov. 2, 2020. Courtesy photo by Michigan Secretary of State's office. —

Several armed protestors gathered outside of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's home Saturday evening, according to a statement from Benson.

At the time, Benson said she was decorating her house for Christmas with her four-year-old son.

Benson said this incident was an extension of recent election controversy, which resulted in a protest at the Capitol last month.

Those gathered at Benson's home shouted conspiracy theories related to the election, according to a joint statement from Attorney General Dana Nessel and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

"At least one individual could be heard shouting 'you’re murderers' within earshot of her child’s bedroom," Nessel and Worthy said in their joint statement. "This mob-like behavior is an affront to basic morality and decency."

In her statement, Benson promised to protect all Michigan votes, including the votes of those who gathered at her house.

Votes have been at the center of controversy after President-elect Joe Biden won, including issues with certifying the election and continued questioning of election results.

Benson said the protestors' threats weren't actually aimed at her, but instead at undermining Michigan voters.

This is not the first of recent threats to Michigan politicians. In October, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin received a threatening voicemail traced to an Ingham County minor. Earlier in the month, the FBI thwarted an alleged attempt to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Benson, Worthy and Nessel encouraged Michiganders to peacefully protest, rather than intimidate public officials.

"Anyone can air legitimate grievances to Secretary Benson’s office through civil and democratic means, but terrorizing children and families at their own homes is not activism," Nessel and Worthy said.

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