Fruitport man sentenced for threatening Michigan courts

LANSING, Michigan – A Fruitport man has been convicted of threatening behavior in Michigan courts.

Daniel Callahan, 60, reportedly expressed his frustration with the government during an appearance before the Michigan Court of Appeals (COA) on February 15, 2023, asking, “What does it have to mean? Someone has to be shot before the state does something?”

More than a week later, Callahan filed a brief reportedly stating that if the COA and Supreme Court did not grant relief in the case, they would be awarded a “future MSU Stage Act 2, West Michigan 2023 performance award.” Court officials interpreted this as an innuendo and threat in the spirit of the mass shooting at Michigan State University on February 13, 2023.

Callahan was arrested on March 4, 2023, and charged with making a false terrorist threat and using a computer to commit a crime, both felonies punishable by 20 years in prison.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General, which prosecuted the case, said Callahan was found guilty on both counts on Tuesday.

“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 system,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “My office will hold accountable those who attempt to intimidate public officials with violence. I am grateful that the jury recognized the serious, dangerous and criminal nature of Callahan’s threats against the courts.”

A date for the verdict has not yet been set.

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