Ann Arbor Man Charged with Making Online Threat

DETROIT - An Ann Arbor, Michigan, man was charged in a federal criminal complaint today with sending a threatening communication, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.

Charged was Isaac Sissel, 25, who is currently staying in Ann Arbor.

According to court records, on November 2, 2024, the FBI National Threat Operations Center in West Virginia received an anonymous online threatening submission. The threat read in part: "I shall carry out an attack against conservative christan, (sic) filth in the event trump wins the election. I have a stolen ar15 and a target I refuse to name so I can continue to get away with my plans. Without a specific victim or ability to find the place I hid the gun, there's not a thing the FBI can do until I complete the attack."

Sissel was arrested by the FBI this morning and will be making an appearance in federal court this afternoon.

The FBI Detroit Field Office is investigating the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force. Created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the department's efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers - whether elected, appointed, or volunteer - are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation.

The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys' Offices throughout the country. Three years after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and FBI Field Offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.gov. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.