By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — Police are conducting a joint investigation with the FBI and additional law enforcement regarding a potential threat discovered in the city Nov. 13.
A resident reported to police that he found a bag in the bushes of his backyard containing an unloaded handgun, letter and map with places of worship in Michigan circled.
Along with the several churches, the Masjid Bilal in Canton Township was also marked.
On the map titled “targets” was Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. in Grand Rapids, with the number “1” beside it. No other churches were marked with a number.
The church, its offices, development center and food pantry were closed Nov. 14 and reopened Nov. 15 with onsite police presence.
Masjid Bilal remained open with police on
site.
“All of the religious organizations, none of which were located within the city of Dearborn Heights, that have been affected by this discovery have been notified along with their local law enforcement agencies out of an abundance of caution,” a Dearborn Heights press release said. “There are no known threats that have been assessed as credible at this time to any churches or houses of worship.”
The discovery is under investigation by Dearborn Heights, Grand Rapids and Canton police, and the FBI. Additional information will be released when it becomes available.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)