Michigan GOP cancels election watch party amid violent threats

The lights come up on the capital building in Lansing.

The Michigan Republican Party has canceled a primary election watch party in Lansing following violent threats received by a female staffer Tuesday, according to Fox 17.

Issuing a statement on the matter, Michigan Republican Party Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director Gustavo Portela said Tuesday that a police report had been filed with the Lansing Police Department.


“This week, the Michigan GOP experienced several death threats which escalated earlier today when our building received several threats from a bystander who not only verbally assaulted a longtime female staffer but also indicated he was planning on shooting up the building and burning it down,” Portela said. 

“It’s unfortunate that members of the opposite party would seize on this and joke about the situation, but this is the type of politics they play now a days,” he added. “Our party won’t be deterred, and we will continue to work tirelessly for Republican policies despite on-going threats. No type of violence against women should ever be tolerated.” 

Per Fox 17, the watch party was canceled as a precaution, but a Unity Reception will take place Wednesday at the Arcadia Smokehouse with tightened security.

Michigan is one of five states holding primary elections Tuesday, with others including Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington. 

Throughout the election cycle, President Donald J. Trump has endorsed various candidates that he has identified as being supportive of his “America First” agenda. In Michigan, those candidates include gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon, secretary of state candidate Kristina Karamo, attorney general candidate Matt Deperno, and congressional candidate John Gibbs.

The Associated Press called the race for Tudor Dixon with just 28 percent reporting on Tuesday night.

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