The mother of a 30-year-old Michigan man in possession of a firearm and alleged to have issued death threats against Democratic politicians is currently facing charges for falsely purchasing firearms.
Mother of Man from Michigan in Possession of a Firearm Faces Charges
Michelle Berka, 56, has been charged after her son, Randall Berka II, was arrested in March for unlawful possession of a firearm. Federal prosecutors claim he posted death threats online targeting the president, governor, and LGBTQ individuals. Following involuntary mental health treatment in 2012, Randall Berka had been prohibited from owning firearms due to his incapacitation, according to NBC.
Living with his parents, Randall Berka II is accused of using a YouTube channel to write that President Joe Biden “should be killed” and indicating a readiness to “murder Whitmer,” in reference to the governor.
Michigan Mother Michelle Berka
Lately, there has been a rise in threats against public officials in Michigan. The FBI disrupted a plot in 2020 to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, leading to the conviction of nine individuals in both state and federal courts.
In March, Michelle Berka got in touch with the FBI because of concerns over her son’s conduct, leading her to recommend his apprehension and detention due to uncertainties about the impact of his mental health treatment. This coincided with the FBI’s discovery that Michelle Berka procured three rifles and a pistol for her son, resulting in his illegal possession of a firearm. If convicted, she could face a potential sentence of ten years in federal prison.