Huron County View

Sebewaing man arrested, charged with threatening to kill President Biden, Governor Whitmer




DETROIT – A 30-year-old Sebewaing man was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with illegally possessing firearms after having been committed to a mental institution and while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, according to United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

The man, Randall Robert Berka II, came to the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after he allegedly made numerous threats over YouTube to kill FBI agents, members of the LGBTQ community, President Joe Biden, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Ison was joined in the announcement by James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the FBI.

According to the criminal complaint, Berka was illegally in possession of four firearms, three long guns and a pistol, after he had been committed to a mental institution and while he was a daily user of marijuana. Berka also was in possession of ammunition and body armor.

The firearms were previously purchased for Berka by a relative who then feared that his mental health treatment was not working and was scared of Berka. The relative cooperated with FBI agents in securing the complaint.

The complaint further provides that Berka came to the attention of the FBI after Google reported to the agency that Berka was posting various threats on YouTube.

Among other statements, Berka posted the following: “im going to kill these democrats biden deserves to die,” “im gonna kill lgbt freaks,” “you could be like me and get guns and threaten to kill politicians. Im more than willing tot kill whitmer and I do live in Michigan,” “Ill assault her . . . with my bullets,” and “i buy guns though and plot to kill people.”

Berka was arrested March 9 by FBI agents at his residence in Sebewaing. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court Friday, March 10 in the Bay City Courthouse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office asked the court to hold Berka in pretrial detention because of his danger to the community and the risk that he will flee.

“We will take immediate action when we learn of individuals illegally possessing firearms and threatening to harm or kill others,” said Ison. “I applaud Google’s vigilance in this matter, and we hope members of the community will, likewise, pay attention and report such conduct to law enforcement.”

“This defendant’s actions were very alarming,” Tarasca said. “When free speech crosses a line and becomes a threat of violence against another – aggravated by the illegal possession of firearms – the full investigative resources of the FBI will be brought to bear. As always, we encourage the public to be vigilant and report concerning behavior to the FBI and local law enforcement.”

Based on the charges in the complaint, Berka faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

The case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Vance.