Man charged in connection with bomb threat at state capitol building

(LANSING, Mich.) Michael Varrone, the man who allegedly made a bomb threat at the Michigan Capitol building Thursday morning is now facing felony charges. The office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Varrone was charged in 54-A District Court in Lansing on Friday. Nessel's office decided to charge Varrone, a resident of Charlotte with two counts of false report or threat of terrorism, and one count of false report or threat of bomb/harmful device. One of the counts of false report or threat of terrorism is related to a December incident where Varrone allegedly made a phone call that threatened the life of State representative Cynthia Johnson. All of these charges come after Varrone was arrested Thursday for allegedly calling a control operator at the Capitol Complex and saying everyone needed to evacuate the building because it was going to explode. After authorities searched the building and premises it was determined there was no threat. "Threats to our democracy must not be tolerated, and my office will work tirelessly to ensure the people who work and visit our capitol can do safely," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. "I am grateful this incident did not result in any serious injury or harm. However, I hope this incident and the disgraceful tragedy that occurred Wednesday at our nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., can serve as reminders of the security measures we must work to maintain and improve to protect the sanctity of our democracy and the safety of our people." According to Nessel's office Varrone's bond is set at $50,000 cash. He is scheduled to be back in court on January 22nd for a probable cause conference.