Woman makes threatening statement towards Escanaba Social Security building, states she was kidding

ESCANABA — Federal, state and local authorities have investigated a threatening statement made towards the Social Security Administration building in Escanaba.

On March 15th at 12:53 p.m., an identified 50 year-old female subject contacted the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The female subject, who was upset over a disputed benefit refund, made a threatening statement about “blowing-up” the Social Security building, followed by a statement that she was only kidding.

After learning about the threat, Escanaba Public Safety located and interviewed the female regarding the threat. She stated that she was kidding about blowing-up the Social Security Administration building and she was upset with her disputed benefit issue.

Investigators say that the female had not made any overt acts or plans to carry out her threat, nor was she intent on doing so. To ensure the safety and security of the public, Escanaba Public Safety notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation Marquette Resident Agency, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

As a result of the collaborative work conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement, the case will be referred to the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office for criminal charge review.