The FBI has uncovered a disturbing plot to kidnap Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Seven members of a militia group known as Wolverine Watchmen are accused of conspiring to identify the homes of law enforcement officers to target them, making violent threats to encourage a civil war that would lead to societal collapse, and participation in the planning and training for an attack on the Capitol and kidnap of government officials, including Gov. Whitmer.
Through social media posts the FBI learned that the group was discussing a violent overthrow of government and law enforcement components.
The group now faces 19 state felony charges filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Six of the individuals were charged by U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge with federal felonies following search warrants.
According to the criminal complaint, the group planned to train for an attack, including “firearms training and other combat drills.” Members of the group met up several times to discuss the plans and at one point tried to construct an IED. However, “the construction of the devices was faulty, and they did not detonate as planned.”
“There has been a disturbing increase in anti-government rhetoric and the re-emergence of groups that embrace extremist ideologies,” said Attorney General Nessel. “These groups often seek to recruit new members by seizing on a moment of civil unrest and using it to advance their agenda of self-reliance and armed resistance.”
“This is more than just political disagreement or passionate advocacy,” she added, “some of these groups’ mission is simply to create chaos and inflict harm upon others.”
Through the efforts of over 200 federal and state law enforcement officials, officers executed a series of search and arrest warrants in more than a dozen Michigan cities. All seven members are facing state-related terrorism charges connected to the militia plot.
Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police, made a statement saying, “Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out terrorism in any form and we will take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state.”
