The Latest: Michigan legislative offices closed over threats
Michigan legislative offices are closed because of threats of violence as presidential electors prepare to gather in the state Capitol to cast their votes for Democrat Joe Biden
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The Latest on the Electoral College meeting (all times local):
9:40 a.m.
Michigan legislative offices are closed because of threats of violence as presidential electors prepare to gather in the state Capitol to cast their votes for Democrat Joe Biden.
The 16 electors will meet Monday afternoon in the Senate chamber, at a ceremony chaired by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Biden won the state by 154,000 votes, or 2.8 percentage points, over President Donald Trump
The Capitol building is closed to the public due to coronavirus restrictions except when lawmakers meet for session. A spokesperson for Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says legislators’ offices in the statehouse and nearby buildings also are closed based on recommendations from law enforcement.
Spokesperson Amber McCann says, “The decision was not made because of anticipated protests but was made based on credible threats of violence."
Lawmakers from both parties have reported receiving threats amid Trump’s futile bid to overturn the election results with baseless allegations of widespread fraud.
There was no widespread fraud in the election. This has been confirmed by election officials across the country and by Attorney General William Barr.
Earlier this year, law enforcement said it uncovered a plot to kidnap Whitmer. The ringleader is alleged to have also discussed attacking the Michigan Capitol building during session and executing “tyrants.”
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Electors are gathering in 50 states and the District of Columbia on Monday to formally vote for the next president. Most states have laws binding their electors to the winner of the popular vote in their state. Democrat Joe Biden won the Nov. 3 election with 306 Electoral College votes, while President Donald Trump finished with 232. It takes 270 Electoral College votes to win the presidency.
STATES THAT HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES: None.
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