13 Charged in a Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
13 men were arrested in a months-long plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and incite a Civil War.
Earlier today it was reported that 13 men were arrested after police state they were planning to kidnap Governor Whitmer. Six men were charged in federal court and the remaining seven were charged in state court after police surveilled them for the past few months.
The six men charged in federal court are connected to the planned kidnapping while the seven others were linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen. Police say they allegedly had plans to storm the Michigan Capitol and start a civil war.
This plot to kidnap the Michigan gov is sooooo wild. This is like the plot of a (bad) movie or something…
— Vivian* (@Miss_VivianxO) October 9, 2020
Michigan state police say the two groups of men were working together and were planning to carry out acts of violence. The arrests were made just in time as the men were planning on purchasing explosive devices and tactical gear on Wednesday. Those charged in federal court could face life in prison will those charged in state court could face 20 years.
The explosive devices were alleged to be used to detonate nearby areas in an attempt to distract police from the area near Whitmer’s vacation home. A taser was also purchased to be used in the kidnapping.
This is the thing, like literally terrorists plotted to kidnap the gov. of Michigan and they will not be called terrorists. So let’s call it what it is. Terrorism.
— TooDopeTeachers (@TooDopeTeachers) October 9, 2020
Those charged in the alleged kidnapping were identified as Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, and Brandon Caserta of Michigan, along with Barry Croft of Delaware. Those charged with plans to start a civil war were identified as Paul Bellar, 21; Shawn Fix, 38; Eric Molitor, 36; Michael Null, 38; William Null, 38; Pete Musico, 42, and Joseph Morrison, 26, all of Michigan.
Whitmer gave a speech after the arrests and pinned some blame on President Trump for not condemning white supremacists after telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” during last week’s presidential debate. Many agree that Trump’s comment has only incited and encouraged violence amongst ring-wing extremist groups.
This is Trump’s America. His rhetoric & dog whistles feed the deranged domestic terrorists. VOTE HIM OUT! #votebidenharristosaveAmerica. Feds bust alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer https://t.co/HxnFeUQQmP via @CBSNews
— Donna D’Amore (@ohdonnad14) October 9, 2020
President Trump has been very critical of Governor Whitmer and her strict lockdown enforcements earlier this year, tweeting that she has done a “terrible job” in her handling of the virus, but says that he “doesn’t tolerate any extreme violence.”
Despite the disturbing plot, we’re all grateful that the police and FBI caught on and were able to stop the kidnapping. We hope that this doesn’t encourage other extremist groups to follow suit.
Writer | Tweet me @itsjadak
