LANSING, MICHIGAN: Michelle Berka’s 30-year-old son, Randall Berka II, has been accused of issuing death threats against Democratic officials. Michelle herself has been formally accused of providing false information during the purchase of firearms that were subsequently discovered in her son's possession.
The state of Michigan has witnessed a concerning rise in threats directed towards public figures in recent times.
An illustrative instance involves the FBI's intervention in thwarting a plot to abduct Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, resulting in the conviction of nine individuals through combined efforts in both state and federal courts.
The charges brought forth against Michelle Berka were announced on August 8. These charges have emerged subsequent to the arrest of her son Randall in March.
Randall stands accused of unlawful firearm possession and has been accused by federal prosecutors of issuing death threats via social media platforms. His alleged targets include the president, the governor, and members of the LGBTQ community.
Who is Michelle Berka?
Michelle Berka, aged 56, is the mother of the 30-year-old accused Randall. They are both Michigan residents.
An indictment recently unsealed in federal court on August 2 alleges that Michelle Berka knowingly provided false information during the purchase of five firearms, which were subsequently transferred to another individual.
The Detroit News was the first to report on this development. Although the indictment does not explicitly identify the recipient of the firearms from Berka, it is worth noting that her son, Randall Berka II, was apprehended in March while in possession of four of these same firearms.
If convicted, Michelle Berka could potentially face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Bryan Sherer, a federal public defender named as Michelle Berka's legal representative, was unreachable for comment when contacted by phone on August 9.
Randall indicated President Joe Biden ‘deserves to die’
Randall Berka II, who resides in the same household as his parents, had made concerning statements on a YouTube channel.
Specifically, he allegedly posted remarks indicating that President Joe Biden "deserves to die" and expressed his willingness to engage in harmful actions towards Governor Whitmer by stating he was "more than willing to kill Whitmer”.
In 2012, Randall Berka II underwent involuntary mental health commitment, leading to his declaration of incapacitation. This legal determination renders him ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition, a restriction highlighted by the FBI.
In a notable incident from March, Michelle Berka expressed her unease to the FBI concerning her son's behavior.
She conveyed her fear and suggested his arrest and imprisonment due to her lack of confidence in the effectiveness of his mental health treatment.
During this same period, the FBI's records indicate that Michelle Berka procured three long guns and a handgun on behalf of her son.
