CADILLAC - More details are emerging about the death threats targeted at two Cadillac city leaders, forcing the cancellation of two city council meetings just hours before they were set to happen Tuesday night.
By Wednesday, there was more online rhetoric questioning the credibility of those threats and the intent of those cancellations.
The posts even accused city leaders of canceling as a cover to not have to engage with the public.
The city council had several issues that were on the agenda including the PFAS concerns in the area and the city manager’s annual evaluation.
Both come with controversy and people were expected to speak out during the meetings.
Some people online have been questioning the cancellations as a way to get out of those meetings, but Mayor Carla Filkins said that’s not true.
“I thought perhaps it would give people pause about what this rhetoric can turn into. I believe it pushed them over the edge to do something. First of all, we would never cancel a meeting, so we didn’t have to listen to people. That’s what we’re here for. It was because of safety,” said Filkins.
She said the threats came in one after the other Tuesday, targeting two city leaders and their families.
“They weren’t threats that came over social media. They were threats that came to individuals personally,” said Filkins.
Filkins said she can’t elaborate further because they don’t want to impede an active investigation.
She said she’s disappointed to learn more online rhetoric was fueling the flames Wednesday.
“It breaks my heart when this rhetoric is going on. It’s frightening these people. These people are scared. But the rhetoric that out there stated as fact on social media is not true,” said Filkins.
“She says she understands the frustration and distrust of people in the community, especially when it comes to the emerging PFAS situation that has been uncovered in recent months,” said Filkins.
“Somebody just started the mantra that the city knew this all along and didn’t tell anybody. And that is the furthest thing from the truth,” said Filkins.
Filkins said they need to find a way to move forward in a productive way.
“The only way we’re going to get through all of this is together. And so, we have to have those solution-oriented conversations. And, listening goes both ways,” said Filkins.
Filkins said they are considering moving the city council meetings over to the courthouse in the future, where they have metal detectors for people’s safety, but no decision has been made yet.
Cadillac Police confirmed that no arrests have been made yet, but they are continuing to investigate.
