Alleged plot against Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is chilling (opinion)
4 years, 2 months ago

Alleged plot against Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is chilling (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Elie Honig is a CNN legal analyst and former federal and state prosecutor. But Thursday’s FBI complaint detailing the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and overthrow several state governments is uniquely chilling: It suggests that the nation has gone down a dark new road. According to the complaint’s allegations, the charged defendants held actual “field training exercises;” created and detonated a test explosive device; possessed and trained with firearms; purchased a taser for use in the attack; and conducted coordinated surveillance, during the daytime and at night, of Whitmer’s vacation home. And last Spring, he tweeted, “LIBERATE MICHIGAN,” in support of protesters – some heavily armed – that had rallied at the state Capitol against Whitmer’s Covid-based restrictions. And, as the alleged plot developed, the defendants corresponded with one another using encrypted platforms, according to the complaint – their steps to avoid law enforcement detection further suggesting they had real intent to carry out the plan.

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History of this topic

Gretchen Whitmer condemns political violence against herself — and Trump
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Gretchen Whitmer condemns political violence against herself — and Trump

Raw Story  

"Gretchen Whitmer condemns political violence against Trump and herself" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Whitmer delivered the festival’s keynote address Thursday, presenting her recent book, “True Gretch: What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in …

Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot: what was on hours of newly revealed FBI tapes.
10 months ago

Gretchen Whitmer kidnapping plot: what was on hours of newly revealed FBI tapes.

Slate  

In the fall of 2020, the FBI announced it had made several arrests and foiled a chilling conspiracy to kidnap and possibly assassinate Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer. They were like, “Well, good, I’m glad the FBI is going after these people.” They’re like, “I know I should care about the Fourth Amendment. I think in any big project there are …

Prosecutor says 3 men accused in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer wanted to start a civil war
1 year, 4 months ago

Prosecutor says 3 men accused in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer wanted to start a civil war

Associated Press  

BELLAIRE, Mich. — Three men accused of aiding a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. They all desired to start a civil war, if you can believe it,” William Rollstin of the state attorney general’s office said in his opening trial statement. The Null brothers, both 41, were leaders of a group called the Michigan Liberty Militia and supported the so-called …

Michigan's Dem AG was target of anti-Semitic plot to murder Jewish elected officials: FBI
1 year, 9 months ago

Michigan's Dem AG was target of anti-Semitic plot to murder Jewish elected officials: FBI

Raw Story  

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on Thursday revealed that she was a target in an anti-Semitic plot that involved murdering Jewish elected officials. Writing on Twitter, Nessel says that the FBI contacted her to let her know that she was on an apparent hitlist made by Tipton, Michigan resident Jack Eugene Carpenter III, who was arrested last month on charges …

Michigan governor hopeful makes light of Whitmer kidnap plot
2 years, 3 months ago

Michigan governor hopeful makes light of Whitmer kidnap plot

Associated Press  

LANSING, Mich. — The Republican candidate for Michigan governor on Friday compared Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s policies to the 2020 plot to kidnap the Democratic incumbent, remarks that Democrats criticized as making light of a serious and dangerous crime. “For someone so worried about being kidnapped, Gretchen Whitmer sure is good at taking business hostage.” At an event later Friday, Dixon …

Two men convicted in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
2 years, 4 months ago

Two men convicted in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

LA Times  

Barry Croft Jr., left, and Adam Fox were found guilty of conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s governor and conspiring to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, namely a bomb to destroy a bridge. Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. were also found guilty of conspiring to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, namely a bomb to blow up a bridge and …

Witnesses say duo was eager to kidnap Michigan governor
2 years, 4 months ago

Witnesses say duo was eager to kidnap Michigan governor

Associated Press  

Two men charged with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. And it’s creating a perception, I think, among the jurors that the court has a preference for how this case ends.” U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker defended his decision, saying there was no need for certain questions to be “teed up over and over again.” He complained about the trial’s pace …

GOP candidate floats conspiracy theory that Whitmer staged kidnapping plot to influence 2020 election
2 years, 8 months ago

GOP candidate floats conspiracy theory that Whitmer staged kidnapping plot to influence 2020 election

Raw Story  

Republican gubernatorial candidate Garrett Soldano shared a conspiracy theory Thursday that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plotted with the FBI to “fake her own kidnapping” in an effort to have a “direct impact on the 2020 election results” after two suspects were found not guilty last week. As we all saw last week, the FBI conceived a plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer …

In outcome of Whitmer case, some see freedom, others danger
2 years, 8 months ago

In outcome of Whitmer case, some see freedom, others danger

Associated Press  

Outside the Michigan courthouse where a jury did not convict any of the four men charged with planning to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a defense lawyer said jurors saw the alleged plot as what it was: Dirty FBI tactics and “rough talk.” The men — who were heard on audio during the trial talking about killing Whitmer, blowing up a …

In Whitmer plot case, was it violent political rhetoric or just ‘rough talk’?
2 years, 8 months ago

In Whitmer plot case, was it violent political rhetoric or just ‘rough talk’?

LA Times  

Michael Hills, the attorney for defendant Brandon Caserta, speaks to reporters after his client was found not guilty of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a defense lawyer said jurors saw the case as what it was: dirty FBI tactics and “rough talk.” The men didn’t say anything shocking, attorney Michael Hills said, though they were heard on audio …

Gretchen Whitmer was to be tied up and posed for photos in kidnap plot, trial hears
2 years, 9 months ago

Gretchen Whitmer was to be tied up and posed for photos in kidnap plot, trial hears

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Four self-proclaimed militiamen who allegedly planned to kidnap Democratic Michigan …

FBI: Accused wanted ‘tyrant’ Gov. Whitmer tied up on table
2 years, 9 months ago

FBI: Accused wanted ‘tyrant’ Gov. Whitmer tied up on table

Associated Press  

A key figure in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told an undercover FBI agent that he wanted to restrain the “tyrant” on a table then pose for a photo “like we just made the biggest drug bust,” according to a secret recording played for jurors Thursday. Agent Mark Schweers told the jury that he was posing …

Trial resuming for 4 men accused of Michigan governor plot
2 years, 9 months ago

Trial resuming for 4 men accused of Michigan governor plot

Associated Press  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The trial of four men charged with planning to kidnap Michigan Gov. Prosecutors say they turned their anger toward government in 2020 into a plot to kidnap Whitmer because of the restrictions she imposed during the early months of the pandemic. She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing …

Jury Selection Starts In Michigan Governor Kidnap Plot
2 years, 9 months ago

Jury Selection Starts In Michigan Governor Kidnap Plot

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With secret recordings and other evidence, prosecutors are pledging to show how four men were united behind a wild plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor in response to her aggressive steps to slow down COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic. Jury selection began Tuesday for a trial that could last more than …

EXPLAINER: Charges in alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
2 years, 9 months ago

EXPLAINER: Charges in alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Four members of anti-government groups are facing trial this week on federal charges accusing them in a chilling plot to abduct Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, in 2020. Jury instructions proposed by prosecutors prior to trial explain that convictions on the kidnapping and weapons conspiracy charges require evidence that each defendant committed at least one of the long …

EXPLAINER: Charges at Michigan governor kidnap plot trial
2 years, 9 months ago

EXPLAINER: Charges at Michigan governor kidnap plot trial

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Four members of anti-government groups are facing trial this week on federal charges accusing them in a chilling plot to abduct Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, in 2020. Jury instructions proposed by prosecutors prior to trial explain that convictions on the kidnapping and weapons conspiracy charges require evidence that each defendant committed at least one of the long …

FBI agents helped instigate plot to kidnap Michigan Governor: Report
3 years, 4 months ago

FBI agents helped instigate plot to kidnap Michigan Governor: Report

Op India  

On October 8 last year, about 13 people were arrested for allegedly conspiring to abduct Michigan State Governor Gretchen Whitmer. A news investigation by Buzzfeed news has now revealed that about 12 FBI informants were not only a part of the conspiracy but also instigated the kidnapping plot. Revelations made by Buzzfeed about FBI’s involvement in the Michigan kidnapping plot …

Man pleads guilty in conspiracy to kidnap Michigan governor
3 years, 10 months ago

Man pleads guilty in conspiracy to kidnap Michigan governor

Associated Press  

DETROIT — One of six men charged in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. He said he and others trained with weapons in Munith, Michigan, and Cambria, Wisconsin, last summer and “discussed the plan to storm the Capitol and kidnap the governor.” The plot, he said, eventually switched to Whitmer’s second home in Antrim County. Garbin said he “advocated …

Man to plead guilty in plot to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer
3 years, 10 months ago

Man to plead guilty in plot to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer

Hindustan Times  

One of six men charged in an alleged plot to snatch Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has agreed to plead guilty to a kidnapping conspiracy, according to a court document filed Wednesday. A federal grand jury has charged six men with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. He said he and others trained with weapons in Munith, Michigan, and Cambria, Wisconsin, last …

6 men indicted in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan governor
4 years ago

6 men indicted in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan governor

Associated Press  

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A federal grand jury has charged six men with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. The indictment released Thursday by U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge levied the conspiracy charge against Adam Dean Fox, Barry Gordon Croft Jr., Ty Gerard Garbin, Kaleb James Franks, Daniel Joseph Harris and Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta. It says Fox later met Garbin, a leader …

Grand jury indicts six accused in Michigan governor kidnap plot
4 years ago

Grand jury indicts six accused in Michigan governor kidnap plot

Al Jazeera  

The men were arrested and charged in October with plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Six men facing charges of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer were indicted by a grand jury this week, the US attorney’s office for western Michigan said on Thursday. Parker Douglas, a lawyer representing Harris, said Harris had pleaded not guilty because “there …

Trump says plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer was ‘maybe a problem, maybe it wasn’t’
4 years, 1 month ago

Trump says plot to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer was ‘maybe a problem, maybe it wasn’t’

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump openly mocked …

‘Lock her up': Trump launches fresh attack on kidnap plot governor Gretchen Whitmer at Michigan rally
4 years, 2 months ago

‘Lock her up': Trump launches fresh attack on kidnap plot governor Gretchen Whitmer at Michigan rally

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump launched a …

‘Incredibly disturbing’: Whitmer slams Trump’s rally rhetoric
4 years, 2 months ago

‘Incredibly disturbing’: Whitmer slams Trump’s rally rhetoric

Al Jazeera  

Trump’s barbs at the Michigan governor, the target of a kidnapping plot, prompted chants of ‘lock her up’ on Saturday. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has condemned United States President Donald Trump’s rhetoric towards her at a campaign rally. Whitmer on Sunday told NBC that Trump’s criticism of her at the rally was “incredibly disturbing” and accused Trump of inciting domestic …

FBI: Kidnap plot suspects weighed targeting Virginia governor
4 years, 2 months ago

FBI: Kidnap plot suspects weighed targeting Virginia governor

Al Jazeera  

FBI agent reveals steps that led to charges against six men over plot to kidnap Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Members of anti-government paramilitary groups discussed kidnapping Virginia’s governor during a June meeting in Ohio, an FBI agent has testified during a court hearing in Michigan. Special Agent Richard Trask also revealed more detail about investigators’ use of confidential informants, undercover …

The frighteningly sophisticated plan to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer.
54 years, 11 months ago

The frighteningly sophisticated plan to kidnap Gretchen Whitmer.

Slate  

The 13 militia members who were arrested on Thursday by state and federal authorities for allegedly planning to kidnap and possibly assassinate Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, were not amateurs. Their motivations seem clear: a desire to overthrow Michigan’s government and create a society that “followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and would allow for citizens to be self-sufficient,” according to …

Militia Members Plotted To Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer, FBI Says
4 years, 2 months ago

Militia Members Plotted To Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer, FBI Says

NPR  

Militia Members Plotted To Kidnap Michigan Gov. In a statement early Thursday, Whitmer said two militia groups "were preparing to kidnap and possibly kill me." But in a later interview on NPR's All Things Considered, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that "multiple white supremacy groups and militia groups have been acting in accordance with one another." After abducting Whitmer, …

Fears of far-right extremism deepen as 13 are charged in plots to kidnap Michigan governor, attack Capitol
4 years, 2 months ago

Fears of far-right extremism deepen as 13 are charged in plots to kidnap Michigan governor, attack Capitol

LA Times  

Six people are accused of planning to kidnap Gov. A plot to storm the Michigan state Capitol, kidnap the governor and put her on trial for “uncontrolled power” revealed Thursday how brazen far-right armed extremist groups have become in recent years at striking out against the government and those they hold in contempt for perceived threats against their liberties. Additionally, …

Thirteen charged in ‘plots’ against Michigan governor
4 years, 2 months ago

Thirteen charged in ‘plots’ against Michigan governor

Al Jazeera  

Prosecutors reveal arrests in ‘plots’ to storm the Michigan state capitol building and kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our efforts uncovered elaborate plans to endanger the lives of law enforcement officers, government officials and the broader public,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel told a news conference to announce the charges. Seven people were charged with material support to “terrorism” related to …

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