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Michigan Republicans Demand Action Following Security Breach Involving Chinese Nationals at Camp Grayling
Lawmakers Push for Investigation into University of Michigan's Vetting Procedures Following Incident Involving Chinese Students at Military Site
October 11, 2024
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The Michigan Republican Party and state legislators are calling for an investigation into a recent security incident involving five international students from China who were found photographing military equipment at Camp Grayling. The incident has sparked concerns about national security and the adequacy of state-level measures to protect sensitive defense site.

The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security, a bicameral body of Republican representatives and senators, has urged Democratic leaders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and officials at the University of Michigan to thoroughly investigate the events that led to the breach. The group is demanding greater transparency and stricter security measures for international students participating in educational programs within the state.

The Incident

The controversy began in August 2023, when five University of Michigan students, all Chinese nationals, were confronted near a remote section of Camp Grayling, a military training site in northern Michigan, where thousands of personnel had gathered for summer drills. The group was found photographing military equipment after midnight by a sergeant major with the Utah National Guard. The students claimed to be "media" before agreeing to leave the area, according to the FBI.

A federal criminal complaint, filed more than a year later, accuses the students of lying to investigators and conspiring to clear their phones of photos taken at the military base. U.S. authorities charged the five individuals with misleading investigators about their intentions and attempting to cover up evidence related to the incident. The charges come amid heightened concerns over foreign nationals photographing sensitive defense sites across the country.

 

 

Republican Legislators Take Action

Following the charges, the Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security issued letters to Governor Whitmer and University of Michigan President Santa Ono, calling for a full investigation into the breach and demanding details about the university's vetting procedures for international students. The letters also requested information on any new security measures that will be implemented in response to the incident.

“As elected members of the Michigan House of Representatives, it is our duty and responsibility to provide transparency and integrity at every level for Michigan’s citizens," the letter to President Ono stated. "Considering the recent incident at Camp Grayling involving five Chinese nationals who were University of Michigan undergraduates, we are seeking information about existing security and vetting measures when accepting international students into its education programs, and what additional measures will be put forth following the incident.”

Legislators Criticize Democratic Response

Members of the working group, which includes Representatives William Bruck (R-Erie), Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), and David Martin (R-Davison), as well as Senator Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), have expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of urgency from Democratic lawmakers in addressing national security concerns. They argue that the issue has been largely ignored by state leaders despite gaining national attention.

“This is exactly the kind of national security concern our group has been working to prevent,” said Rep. William Bruck, a U.S. Army veteran and co-chair of the working group. “Nationally, this issue has gained attention with Democrats, but for some reason, here in Michigan, it’s fallen on deaf ears.”

Rep. Luke Meerman, also a co-chair of the group, criticized Democratic lawmakers for not taking proposed legislation seriously. "We have introduced multiple pieces of legislation and several budget amendments to curb activity that presents a threat to our national security, but they’ve not been taken seriously by Democrats," he said. "This is no longer just a hypothetical scenario; these are legitimate concerns that are coming to life before our eyes. This is about more than just the security of Michigan and its citizens; it’s about our nation as a whole."

 

 

Previous Efforts to Address Foreign Influence

The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security has been pushing for stronger measures against foreign influence for some time. Last fall, the group introduced a comprehensive plan to protect Michigan from foreign entities included on the federal watch list, such as the People’s Republic of China. Their proposals have included restrictions on foreign ownership of land near sensitive sites and increased oversight of research collaborations with foreign institutions.

Federal Investigation Continues

The FBI noted that the incident at Camp Grayling is not an isolated case, citing previous reports of Chinese nationals taking photos at defense sites in the United States. While the five students are currently not in custody, authorities have stated that they will be arrested if they come into contact with U.S. law enforcement.

“The defendants are not in custody. Should they come into contact with U.S. authorities, they will be arrested and face these charges,” said Gina Balaya, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit.

The ongoing federal investigation has raised questions about how closely universities and state officials monitor foreign students who may have access to sensitive areas. The working group argues that the incident should be a wake-up call for Michigan to take national security concerns more seriously.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation unfolds, the Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security continues to pressure state leaders to enact stronger protections and ensure the state does not become a “weak link” in U.S. homeland security. The incident at Camp Grayling has highlighted the need for vigilance in safeguarding military installations and the potential risks posed by foreign nationals with access to sensitive locations.

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Goodrich church says they had encounter with Grand Blanc Twp. Shooter
Goodrich church reveals new details about a recent encounter with the gunman.

GOODRICH, Mich. — A Michigan church is confirming that the man accused of opening fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township Sunday had a recent encounter just days before the deadly attack.

In an email to members, The River Church in Goodrich shared that Thomas Jacob Sanford, the suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Twp., visited its church on September 21 — a week before the attack. Church leaders say Sanford came with his family and spoke with staff about wanting to have his son baptized.

According to the church’s statement, Sanford became agitated during that conversation, though he showed no signs of physical violence and left without incident. “While he became agitated during that interaction, he did not show any indication of physical violence, and he and his family left without incident,” the statement read.

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Church leaders say Sanford had also rented space at the River Church back in 2015, when his family used the building for a fundraiser related to his son’s medical condition. They emphasized that the event was a simple facility rental, not part of church ministry.

Following the Grand Blanc tragedy, law enforcement conducted a full inspection of the Goodrich location and cleared it as safe. Officers also swept surrounding areas “in an abundance of caution.”

The church said it released this information “in the spirit of transparency” and to assure members that every safety step is being taken.

In its message, The River Church also expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, quoting Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

The email concluded by thanking security and medical teams who serve across the church’s nine campuses, noting that some members of its security staff are armed while serving. Leaders said a full review of safety procedures is now underway.

Background on the Grand Blanc Church Shooting

Authorities say 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford drove a pickup truck into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on Sunday, opened fire on worshippers, and then set the building on fire.

Four people were killed and eight were injured, including children and elderly victims. Investigators later discovered explosive devices inside the suspect’s vehicle. The FBI continues to lead the investigation, calling it a targeted act of violence.

Witnesses described the horrifying scene as worshippers scrambled to safety. The suspect was shot and killed by responding officers.
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