Houghton County Prosecutor's Office awaits complete investigation of social media threat at Michigan Tech

The Houghton County Prosecutor’s Office issued this statement as the result of inquiries regarding the recent threat posted on Yik-Yak by a Michigan Tech student:

This matter was brought before the Prosecutor’s Office Friday, November 13, 2015, a day on which approximately 20 cases were set for various hearings.

During the course of Friday, the Prosecutor’s Office worked with Michigan Tech Public Safety and had a search warrant prepared, authorized, and executed that day.

Late Friday afternoon, the Prosecutor’s Office was advised that the search yielded no evidence to indicate an actual ongoing public danger, nor was there obvious evidence of motive or intent. However, computer/electronic equipment was seized to determine if it contained information related to such issues.

Some questioned why a prosecution has not been started under Michigan’s Anti-Terrorism Statute. That statute contains a definition of terrorist act which requires more than a threat of violence, it has an intent or motive element.

The charge has not been brought because the investigation is incomplete and at this point, evidence of intent or motive is lacking.

A final determination will not be made until there is a substantially complete investigation.

This matter has not been taken lightly. The Prosecutor’s Office worked promptly with MTU Public Safety to assure the public was not at risk and to preserve and develop evidence. The disturbing the peace charge was not intended to be an opinion on the seriousness of the event. It was filed as a charge that could be filed based on the information available. Consideration is being made to dismissing it because of intervening considerations not as a denial of all charges.

There are questions in this case that need research in addition to the need for evidence. A final determination will be evidence-based according to law after adequate investigation and research. It will not be based on emotion. It will be based on law and facts.

Houghton County Prosecutor's Office
401 E. Houghton Avenue Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 482-3214

Editor's Note: See "UPDATE: Suspect in social media threat at Michigan Tech released on bond," with statement from Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz, posted Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, and our Nov. 16, 2015, article, "Local peace marchers protest racist threats on social media, prosecutor's lenient charge against Michigan Tech suspect."

Local peace marchers protest racist threats on social media, prosecutor's lenient charge against Michigan Tech suspect

By Michele Bourdieu

Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff and community members begin a peace march from campus to the Houghton County Courthouse Sunday night, Nov. 15. Marchers' signs protested recent threats on social media against the lives of black people. (Photos by Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated.)

HOUGHTON -- More than 200 Michigan Tech students, staff and community members turned out for a peace march Sunday night, Nov. 15, to make a statement against threats of violence made on social media against black people.

Marchers walk peacefully from the Michigan Tech campus to the Houghton County Courthouse Sunday night.

The student-organized and led march began at the Walker Arts and Humanities Building and continued through downtown Houghton to the Houghton County Courthouse, where candles were lit and a moment of silence was observed before the marchers headed back to campus.

Marchers hold a moment of silence in front of the Houghton County Courthouse.

On Friday a Michigan Tech student was charged with disturbing the peace in connection with a Thursday social media threat against the lives of black people. The threat was posted on Yik Yak, which allows users to post anonymously. Organizers of last night’s march say the intent was to protest the lack of stringent charges pursued by Houghton County Prosecutor Michael Makinen.

Marchers hold signs asking others to contact Prosecutor Michael Makinen and express objections to his charge of disturbing the peace as too lenient.

The suspect was arraigned today in 97th District Court, has been served with an interim suspension and is banned from campus, allowing the University to complete the investigation process.

Speakers address the large crowd of marchers in front of the Houghton County Courthouse Sunday night, Nov. 15. (Photo © and courtesy Miriam Pickens)

Emerald Gary of Detroit, a Michigan Tech student in the School of Business, was one of several student leaders who organized the march. She said concerned students hope the suspect will receive a more severe punishment.

"I don't think he should be allowed to return to Tech," Gary said.

She noted similar threats against black people in other universities, including the University of Missouri, allegedly resulted in more serious charges.

At Indiana University in Bloomington last Friday, Nov. 13, police were investigating a similar threat on Yik Yak.*

According to IndyStar.com, "The Yik Yak messaging app is popular with college students because it lets users post quick, anonymous messages to others in the same geographic area."

The IndyStar article noted Yik Yak claims they cooperate with local authorities and may share information with law enforcement.

Concerning the threatening post by the Michigan Tech student, Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz reported last Friday, "Yik Yak is cooperating with Michigan Tech Public Safety and Police Services to help us obtain information on this post."

Gary said she and other students believe the university has done its part in working with campus police and Houghton Police on this investigation, but the students' objection is the prosecutor's  initial charge of "disturbing the peace."

Makinen may possibly drop or change the charge, but so far his office has not replied to Michigan Tech on his intentions.

* See the Nov. 13, 2015, article, "IU investigates racist threat" on IndyStar.com.