Ann Arbor, MI – A 25-year-old Michigan man was arrested after allegedly issuing online threats against conservative Christians and former President Donald Trump, just days before Trump clinched an unexpected victory in the presidential elections. Isaac Sissel, of Ann Arbor, faces charges of sending a threatening communication, according to federal authorities.
The arrest on November 5 came as the nation braced for the election results, amidst widespread tension and heightened security due to multiple threats across several states. Sissel was apprehended after Reddit reported suspicious activities linked to IP addresses at the University of Michigan, where Sissel is believed to have studied.
Initial investigations indicated that the usernames associated with these accounts suggested a violent disdain toward Trump supporters. This lead further helped in tracing an ominous message received by the FBI National Threat Operations Center on November 2, which authorities later connected to Sissel. The message alarmingly mentioned potential violence against conservative Christian groups should Trump win the election, along with claims of possessing a stolen AR-15 rifle.
Federal agents located Sissel at a hotel in nearby Canton, where he consented to a room search. Although no weapons were found at the hotel, Sissel allegedly confessed to hiding a stolen firearm at another location.
The alarming developments occurred against the backdrop of Trump’s significant electoral comeback, securing a win against Vice President Kamala Harris on November 6. This victory marked a notable high in his political journey, overcoming several legal challenges to reclaim the presidency. Trump’s triumph was marked by increased support in over 90% of the counties compared to the 2020 election results.
In response to her electoral defeat, Vice President Harris delivered a speech at Howard University, promoting national unity and the acceptance of the electoral outcome.
Throughout the interrogation process, Sissel’s antipathy towards Trump was palpable. He described the former president as dangerous and even went as far as to say he would not intervene if there were plans to harm Trump, considering it his “duty” to stand back.
Further scrutiny into Sissel’s background revealed his vexed history with the law, including prior instances of stalking and harassment. Records also showed that he had moved frequently, living in various states like Washington and New York without a stable address.
The case is currently being handled by the FBI’s Detroit Field Office under the purview of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. This task force, set up in 2021, focuses on safeguarding election workers and ensuring the security of elections. Sissel made his initial federal court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, with a subsequent detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
As the judicial process unfolds, the case of Isaac Sissel serves as a stark reminder of the potent combination of political fervor and the potential for ensuing violence, spotlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace during highly contentious elections.