Great Lakes Wire

LANSING – A Kent County jury in the 17th Circuit Court has found Daniel Callahan, 60, of Fruitport, guilty on charges of False Report or Threat of Terrorism and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the verdict today. Each offense carries a potential 20-year prison sentence.

"Threats against public officials must be taken seriously, first and foremost, to protect their lives but also to protect the essential functions of our public safety and justice systems," said Nessel. "My office will hold accountable those who try to intimidate public servants with violence. I am thankful the jury saw the serious, dangerous and criminal nature of Callahan’s threats against the courts."

Callahan was charged in April of last year for threats made in a pleading filed with the Michigan Court of Appeals in a civil case following a threatening statement during oral arguments. In February 2023, while appearing before the Michigan Court of Appeals’ 4th District Court in Lansing, Callahan expressed frustration with the government by asking on record, "What is it going to take, somebody to get shot before the State acts on it?" Later that month, he filed a pleading stating that if the Court of Appeals and state Supreme Court did not act "lawfully" and grant his requested relief, they and other entities would earn a "future Performance Award for MSU Stage Act 2 West Michigan 2023." This was understood by court employees as a threat to commit a mass shooting similar to one that occurred at Michigan State University ten days prior.

A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court.