A Waterford man faces at least a year in jail after pleading guilty to threatening to firebomb and shoot up the Oakland County Republican Party headquarters in Bloomfield Township.
Ryan Lewis Vallance, 34, entered a guilty plea on Monday, July 20, to a charge of attempted false report of terrorism in Oakland County, according to C&G Newspapers, citing a Bloomfield Township police press release. A more serious charge of false report of terrorism was dismissed as part of the plea deal.
"This guilty plea was negotiated with the victim's knowledge and consent," Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams said. "It means the defendant will spend at least a year in jail and sends a clear message that political violence is never acceptable."
The case began on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, when representatives of the Oakland County Republican Party contacted the Bloomfield Township Police Department to report threats against the party and the Michigan GOP youth chair.
The investigation
The FBI and Bloomfield Township detectives jointly identified Vallance as the owner of a Facebook account that posted threats to use "Molotov cocktails for MAGA" and to "eradicate" GOP members and their donors, according to the police press release. The same account made audio calls threatening to shoot up the Oakland County Republican headquarters, light it on fire, kill everyone who worked there and "put a bullet" in the youth chair's skull.
Officers located Vallance during a traffic stop. In an interview, he admitted making the threats, citing anger at President Donald Trump and the GOP as his motivation.
Impact on the local party
Brian Szmytke, a senior advisor to the Oakland County Republican Party, said the threats caused the organization to lose volunteers and funds. The party has since installed cameras, panic buttons and protective equipment, hired private security and increased coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement.
Szmytke said the party plans to begin civil proceedings against Vallance and pursue every available legal remedy.
He described the case as part of a broader pattern, noting that a separate defendant, Kendrew Groff, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for destruction of property outside the same headquarters. Szmytke also referenced a suspicious powder sent to the office and other security incidents in various stages of investigation.
What's next
Vallance's sentencing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31, in Oakland County. Under Michigan law, the original false report of terrorism charge carries up to 20 years in prison or a $20,000 fine; the lesser attempted charge he pleaded to carries a reduced maximum. Williams said the plea agreement ensures at least one year behind bars.
His defense attorney, Paul Stablein, did not respond for comment by press time.
Residents who observe suspicious activity near the headquarters or any public building can contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at 248-433-7755.
