Michigan Assistant AG Takes Leave Of Absence Amid Cyber-Stalking Controversy

Jim Burroway

October 1st, 2010

Andrew Shirvell

Andrew Shirvell

Michigan Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell has taken an indefinite personal leave of absence from his job amid national controversy over his cyber-stalking blog dedicated to attacking a University of Michigan student. A spokesman for Attorney General Mike Cox, who has defended Shirvell’s continued employment with the AG’s office, said that Shirvell will be subject to a disciplinary hearing after he returns to work.

Meanwhile, Shirvell’s blog, Chris Armstrong Watch, which cyber-stalks the openly gay president of University of Michigan’s student government, is now locked and is available by invitation only. Past posts however are still available on Google’s cache.

Several of Shirvell’s posts appear to indicate that his stalking activities go beyond cyber-stalking, and appear to take on aspects of actual physical stalking. Shirvell has been spotted “protesting” in front of Armstrong’s home, crashing a house party that Armstrong hosted, and following Armstrong’s friends around campus. UM’s campus police confirm that Shirvell has been banned from campus beginning Sept 14, and is being investigated for “harassing or stalking” Armstrong.

Armstrong is seeking a restraining order against Shirvell. That hearing will be held on October 4. In Armstrong’s application for a restraining order, he makes clear that he is now in fear for his safety: (PDF: 5 pages 3.3MB)

“The actions that Mr. Shirvell has taken against me over the past 4 months have been incredibly distressing. If it were University of Michigan students or administrators who were taking these actions it would be a very different conversation since my position is to serve the currently enrolled University of Michigan students. However, since he isn’t a student his actions are concerning and make me feel unsure about my own safety.”

Ryan

October 1st, 2010

Obviously, this goes way past any First Amendment concerns Cox has had. He should be fired immediately. I’m sure his “personal leave” wasn’t voluntary. I can only shudder to think what he’s posting in his blog right now.

TampaZeke

October 1st, 2010

What?

No statement about how “honorable” Shirvell is for taking this leave of absence?

Or maybe it’s the AG who’s being honorable for allowing him the leave.

Jim Burroway

October 1st, 2010

TampaZeke? What are you talking about?!?

Timothy Kincaid

October 1st, 2010

Zeke is upset that I said that Saxby Chambliss, a Republican who opposes gay rights, acted honorably by taking responsibility and firing the staffer who made a slur on Joe Jervis’ site and by calling Joe to apologize in person.

Zeke thinks my comments are based in partisanship.

emma

October 3rd, 2010

Andrew Shirvell is about the creepiest looking guy, I’d want a restraining order, if I saw him at Denny’s.

Kevin Andrews

October 3rd, 2010

This deranged Cults of Jesus Inc missionary of hate is a clear danger to Armstrong and I’m absolutely amazed this has gone on this long with no criminal charges pressed against Andrew Shirvell.

This is how murder happens.

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