Man Arrested for Alleged Bomb Threat Against SNL Studio

NEW YORK, NY — A 48-year-old Glen Head man was arrested on April 2, 2024, after allegedly making a bomb threat against the Saturday Night Live studios located at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City. Michael Branham was taken into custody following an NYPD investigation that began early Tuesday morning when police received reports of a threat.

The New York Police Department confirmed that they were alerted to the bomb threat within the Midtown North Precinct at approximately 7 a.m. on April 1. Branham faces charges of making a threat of mass harm and falsely reporting an incident. Court records show he pleaded not guilty, and his bail is set at $100,000.

According to law enforcement sources, Branham’s arrest stems from communications that allegedly threatened the SNL audience. “The next time you hear from me I will be on CNN for exploding a bomb in Saturday Night Live audience,” he reportedly texted to a messaging service at his online university. The text prompted immediate action by NBC Universal security, which reported the incident.

NBC also reported that Branham’s name matches that of an individual against whom actress Scarlett Johansson sought a restraining order, which was denied on technical grounds. The actress is married to Colin Jost, a writer and cast member on SNL.

Following the threat, it was determined that Branham’s communication was not credible. However, the NYPD opted to take the threat seriously, considering the history of stalking claims against him. In the past, Johansson has reported harassment from Branham, claiming he showed up at her residence without invitation and expressed delusional thoughts regarding their relationship.

Branham was found to have four outstanding warrants in Kentucky at the time of his arrest. During his arraignment, defense attorney Jamie Niskanen-Singer argued for a lower bail, suggesting his client may have been targeted by online scammers. However, Judge Janet McDonnell refused to lower the bail, citing the serious nature of the threat.

“Let’s remember why we’re here. We’re here because he threatened to bomb ‘Saturday Night Live,’ which is a violent bail-qualifying offense,” Judge McDonnell stated during the hearing. Additionally, she issued orders of protection for both Johansson and Jost, despite the defense’s argument that Johansson was neither a victim nor a witness in the case.

Branham’s previous attempts to establish a connection with Johansson included dubious online claims of fatherhood and other erratic behaviors. Court filings revealed a history of his obsession with the actress, who has previously attempted to secure a restraining order against him.

Saturday Night Live, which debuted in 1975, has maintained its status as a cultural touchstone and a platform for both humor and music, featuring a wide array of celebrities and notable performances over the years.

As the legal process unfolds, the SNL community continues to emphasize the safety and security of both its cast and audience, remaining vigilant against potential threats.