HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland resident Joshua Docter, 21, is facing one count of threat of terrorism and one count of using a computer to commit a crime, after allegedly issuing death threats aimed at President Joe Biden, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Each charge is a felony and carries a 20-year penalty.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges, filed Monday in Ottawa County 58th District Court, in Holland. Docter turned himself in Tuesday, March 16, 2021, and was arraigned on the charges before Judge Bradley Knoll.
The FBI initiated an investigation, according to Nessel’s statement, following tips about threats Docter allegedly shared on the social media platform, iFunny. Michigan State Police picked up the investigation and referred the case to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for action.
“Threatening elected officials is against the law and my office will prosecute those who attempt to intimidate or terrorize our state and federal leaders,” Nessel said. “I appreciate the thorough investigative work by the FBI and Michigan State Police on this case, and I consider it another excellent example of showcasing the dedication that those working in law enforcement have to protecting the public.”
Docter posted multiple threatening comments on the social media platform in January 2021, according to court documents. In those posts, Docter allegedly stated he would use a gun to shoot and kill the elected officials and would “be the catalyst” for a new American revolution. Docter also had information on how to make a bomb, according to Nessel’s statement, and where to find the necessary materials on his smart phone.
Docter is scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference on April 8, 2021, and a preliminary exam on April 15, 2021.
According to Joshua Docter’s LinkedIn profile, he’s attended Hope College and worked in that school’s landscaping department and also attended GVSU, with law enforcement studies listed as his major.
Docter is one of Bret and Erin Docter three children. His parents issued a statement via a spokeswoman, saying, “As a family, we were shocked to learn of the charges against our son. We are in process of evaluating them and working with legal counsel to consider our next steps. We respectfully ask for privacy at this most difficult time.”
Bret Docter owns of Property Quest, LLC., is on the board at the Community Foundation of the Holland-Zeeland area according to the foundation’s website. Bret Docter is a Hope College graduate and former Park Township trustee.
