The federal government has charged six people with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, per newly unsealed court records.
us.yahoo.com
Paul Egan and Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press
Thu, October 8, 2020, 1:17 PM EDT
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during the Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway dedication ceremony in Detroit, Monday, August 24, 2020.
LANSING, Mich. — The federal government has charged six people with
conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, according to newly unsealed court records.
Members of a militia group purchased weapons, conducted surveillance, and held training and planning meetings, but were foiled in part because the FBI was able to infiltrate the group with informants, according to a criminal complaint.
The FBI became aware early in 2020, through social media, that a militia group was "discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law enforcement components," and "agreed to take violent action," according to a sworn affidavit.
Members of the group talked about "murdering ... tyrants" or "taking" a sitting governor, according to the affidavit. One of the relevant meetings the FBI monitored was held June 20 in Grand Rapids. the affidavit alleges.
Discussions included using 200 men to "storm" the state Capitol Building in Lansing, kidnap hostages, including, Whitmer and try the governor for treason, according to the affidavit.
Once kidnapped, Whitmer would be moved to a "secure location" in Wisconsin, for "trial," according to the affidavit.
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