Introduction to the Incident
The NYPD has arrested a man for allegedly threatening to bomb the "Saturday Night Live" studios after he messaged the threat to a Connecticut college and an administrator at that college told police, two people briefed on the matter tell NBC News.
Details of the Arrest
Police identified the man arrested as Michael Branham, 48, who was taken into custody by the NYPD and charged after the threat was discovered on Tuesday, according to an NYPD statement. The threat was not deemed credible, two law enforcement officials say.
Connection to Scarlett Johansson
Branham’s first, middle, last name, and age match the person whom Scarlett Johansson has previously accused of stalking in an application for a restraining order, according to court documents filed in California. Court documents filed in California show that a judge denied that request for a restraining order on a technicality.
Recent SNL Episode
Mikey Madison has made her “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut! On Saturday March 29, the Oscar winner hosted the show for the first time where she was joined by Morgan Wallen as musical guest. The actress appeared in the cold open which spoofed the White House’s signal chat scandal after officials from President Trump’s administration accidentally added the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic to their group chat discussing plans to attack Houthi rebels in Yemen. In the skit, Madison along with cast members Ego Nwodim and Sarah Sherman played teenage girls who get added to a similar chat discussing attack plans by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was played by Andrew Dismukes.
Response from Scarlett Johansson’s Team
A representative for Johansson declined to comment. A review of social media shows that a person with Branham’s name and information has made repeated and continuous posts about the actress, who is married to "SNL Weekend Update" host Colin Jost.
Charges and Next Steps
The New York Post first reported the threat. Branham faces a single count of making a terroristic threat. Requests for comment from the attorney representing the man charged in New York were not immediately returned.
Conclusion
The arrest of Michael Branham for threatening to bomb the "Saturday Night Live" studios highlights the importance of taking all threats seriously, even if they are deemed not credible. The connection to Scarlett Johansson, who has previously been targeted by Branham, adds a layer of complexity to the case. As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and security of all individuals involved.
FAQs
- Q: Who was arrested for threatening to bomb the "Saturday Night Live" studios?
A: Michael Branham, 48, was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat. - Q: Is there a connection between the arrested man and Scarlett Johansson?
A: Yes, Branham’s name and age match the person whom Scarlett Johansson has previously accused of stalking. - Q: Was the threat deemed credible?
A: No, two law enforcement officials say the threat was not deemed credible. - Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: Branham faces a single count of making a terroristic threat, and the investigation is ongoing.
