ROBERT LORINSER

ELK RAPIDS — Law enforcement is investigating an alleged death threat sent to congressional candidate Dr. Bob Lorinser.

The campaign immediately reported the explicit assassination threat to local authorities, who successfully contacted the alleged perpetrator and began an investigation.

Because of the specificity of the message, Lorinser also reported the threat to the FBI.

On Thursday, the campaign said it received the following text message in reply to an event invitation in Elk Rapids:

“I am going to assassinate Dr. Bob Lorinser during this event using a Remington .270 rifle from the rooftop of a nearby building, the moment he exits his vehicle.”

Details about the sender were not available.

“I want to thank law enforcement for responding,” Lorinser said in a statement. “Authorities should always take these matters seriously to ensure the public’s safety. I’m confident the police will handle the situation properly. Fortunately, this threat is not indicative of the warm reception we receive across the state.”

Lorinser is running for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, covering the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. He will face incumbent U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet.