Michigan Coffee Shops Receive Threatening Letters
Three Michigan coffee shops had to temporarily close their doors this past week due to receiving threatening letters. All three coffee houses decided to close temporarily due to the safety…
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Three Michigan coffee shops had to temporarily close their doors this past week due to receiving threatening letters.
All three coffee houses decided to close temporarily due to the safety of employees and patrons.
Gathering Coffee Co. in Detroit's Milwaukee Junction area was able to reopen on Wednesday (March 1) after posting an Instagram post stating that the shop received a 10-page letter that included "dates and threats of potential harm."
The other two shops were both owned by Strange Matter Coffee, the company's two locations in Lansing. The brand posted an announcement on Tuesday (February 28), as well as a post on Wednesday (March 1) describing details about the the letter they received. They stated that the owners believe the shops were targeted because of a Pride flag on display. They also stated that the shops would remain closed through Thursday and reopen on Friday (March 3). “Initially when we received this letter, we were only aware of two other locations that had received it," they shared. "All queer owned, or flying a pride flag. Since our original post other businesses have contacted us with similar letter experiences from the same author." Owners also asked other businesses to notify their local FBI office if they have also received a similar letter.
The Gathering Instagram post stated that the coffee shop received a 10-page letter that had "dates and threats of potential harm." In the message, they stated, "Due to the nature of this letter, out of protection for our team and for you, our community, we have decided to close our doors for the next week, until these dates have passed. This decision will give us time to implement new safety protocols as we seek to re-open our doors, and will not do so, until these protocols are put into place,” reads the social media post."
Feeling safe is obviously important. I personally think Michigan is a pretty safe state, but there are always going to be areas in any state that are less safe than others, so you should know where to be extra cautious.
The staff at RoadSnacks.net has put together a list of the 10 most dangerous cities in the entire state of Michigan. They start the study with some humor, saying, "Michigan would like to think that the only things dangerous in their state is the Detroit lions' defensive line and driving over the Mackinac Bridge during a snowstorm; but sadly, that's not the case."
To compile the list, the study states that, "We looked at violent crimes and property crimes in cities with a population of 5,000. Folks, the cities that made our list have robberies happening in broad daylight, car jackings, and daily shootings." The study also says that even if your city makes this list, it's not all bad, adding, "We're not saying that there aren't little pockets of goodness in these cities. The neighborhoods and shopping centers in these Michigan cities are not ALL bad. We do recommend that you spend some time studying them before you make a move. And If do you choose one of these cities, you're going to have to be aware of your surroundings at all times."
So, don't take this list as a "bad cities" list. According to RoadSnacks.net, these are just the cities with higher rates of crime, so you have to be careful in certain areas when you're traveling or living there. Read on for the list of the 10 most dangerous cities in Michigan, according to RoadSnacks.net. By the way, Detroit is not at the top spot on this list, which might surprise you. Find the full study here.
10. Highland Park
The crime in Highland Park is why it's considered to be so dangerous. It's No. 10 on the list.
9. Three Rivers
I didn't expect to see this one, but Three Rivers is considered the No. 9 most dangerous city in Michigan.
8. Flint Township
Flint has dealt with crime issues a bunch. They're No. 8.
7. Albion
This one comes out of nowhere. Did not expect to see Albion at No. 7 on the list.
6. Lansing
Say what? I haven't never felt unsafe in Lansing. But, it's No. 6.
5. Muskegon Heights
Muskegon has always had crime issues. That's why it's No. 5.
4. Detroit
Of course Detroit would be in here. It's obviously the biggest city in Michigan, so it draws crime.
3. Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor has struggled with crime for decades. It's No. 3.
2. Kalamazoo
My uncle lived in Kalamazoo, and I never felt unsafe there. But, it's No. 2.
1. Benton Township
Benton Township is the most unsafe area in Michigan, according to this list.
The Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan For 2022
This list is via RoadSnacks.net.
