Working Group for National Security responds after University of Michigan international students were found photographing military equipment

The Michigan Legislative Working Group for National Security is urging the governor, Democrat leadership, and officials within the University of Michigan to investigate the events that led to several international students from China being found photographing military equipment at Camp Grayling.

The federal government brought charges against the five students last week, accusing them of lying to investigators and trying to cover their tracks.

“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 who co-chairs the working group. “Nationally, this issue has gained attention with Democrats, but for some reason, here in Michigan, it’s fallen on deaf ears.”

The working group issued two official letters following the security threat, one to Gov. Whitmer and another to University of Michigan President Santa Ono. The working group has also reached out to legislative majority leadership to urge the Democrat caucus to begin taking this issue more 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,” said Rep. Luke Meerman, who also co-chairs the working group. “This is no longer just a hypothetical scenario; these are legitimate concerns that are actually 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. Michigan cannot continue to be a weak link in U.S. homeland security.”

The letter to University of Michigan President Santa Ono reads:

“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. Considering the recent incident at Camp Grayling involving five Chinese nationals who were University of Michigan undergraduates, we are seeking the following information from yourself and the University of Michigan:”

The letter goes on to request information about existing security and vetting measures when accepting international students into its education programs, and what, if any, additional measures will be put forth following the incident at Camp Grayling.

The Michigan Legislature Working Group for National Security is a bicameral body with Representatives and Senators calling for stronger protections against foreign influence. Last fall, they introduced a comprehensive plan to protect Michigan from foreign entities included on the federal watch list, including the People’s Republic of China.

In addition to Reps. Bruck (R-Erie) and Meerman (R-Coopersville), the Working Group for National Security includes, Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond), Rep. David Martin (R-Davison), Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen).

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