FBI: Militia group plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – KCBS

(WWJ) Multiple people are facing federal charges in an alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and other political figures in Michigan.

Arraignments are being were heldbefore Jessica AllmandMagistrate for Antrim County in the Traverse City for the menwho were allegedly involved inthe plot that was thwarted by the FBI.

A document filed in federal court this week identifies the suspects as Michigan residents Adam Fox, Brandon Caserta,Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks and Daniel Harris, as well asBarry Croft of Delaware.

An FBI agent wrote in an affidavit that thefailed plan involved members of a Michigan militia. The agent wrote "several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor" and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message.

READ: Criminal Complaint filed in US District Court

The criminal complaint states: "Foxsaid their best opportunity to abduct Governor Whitmer would be when she was arriving at, or leaving, either her personal vacation home or the Governors official summer residence. Both residences are located in the Western District of Michigan. Fox described it as a 'Snatch and grab, man. Grab the f Governor. Just grab the bitch. Because at that point, we do that, dude -- its over.'FOX said that after kidnapping the Governor, the group would remove her to a secure location in Wisconsin for 'trial'."

It's alleged the group staked out Whitmer's vacation home twice. and also planned to blow up police vehicles and a bridge.

The feds say evidence in the case includes numerous text messages exchanged by the defendants.

In connection with the case, Michigan State Police and FBI conducted raids and made arrestsat multiple locations, including in Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, Waterford and Clarkston, as well as at a manufacturedhome community Wednesday night in Livingston County, according to theUS Attorney's office.

FBI-Detroit Special Agent Mara Schneider told WWJ that a number of warrants were served at a residence on or near Lansing Avenue in Hartland, in the Hartland Meadows Manufactured Homes community. That's off M-59/Highland Road between Pleasant Valley and Hickory Ridge roads, east of US 23.

According to reports, a SWAT team was on the scene, with some officersdressed in camouflage gearandcarrying guns.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, issued the following statement:

A threat against our Governor is a threat against us all. We condemn the actions of the group of individuals that plotted against Governor Whitmer and state government. These people are not patriots. There is no honor in their actions. They are criminals and traitors, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. "

More information will be released at a new.

LISTEN NOW on theRADIO.COM AppFollowRADIO.COMFacebook|Twitter|Instagram

Go here to see the original:
FBI: Militia group plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer - KCBS