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Plot to Overthrow Michigan Government, Kidnap Whitmer, Blocked

The FBI has arrested at least six men for their plans to overthrow the state government and kidnap political leaders. The group considered several ways of achieving its goals, including peaceful and violent options.

(TNS) — The FBI thwarted a sinister plot to overthrow Michigan’s state government and kidnap several political figures, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the agency said in a series of warrants obtained by local news outlets Thursday.

At least six men have charged in the investigation, according to The Detroit News.

“Several members talked about murdering ‘tyrants’ or ‘taking’ a sitting governor,” the FBI reportedly wrote in an affidavit. “The group decided they needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message.”

The alleged conspiracy had been in the works for several months and involved more than a dozen people from multiple states as well as a Michigan-based militia. The Detroit News identified the suspects as Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta. “The group talked about creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be self-sufficient,” the FBI reportedly said.

“They discussed different ways of achieving this goal from peaceful endeavors to violent actions. At one point, several members talked about state governments they believed were violating the U.S. Constitution, including the government of Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.”

Authorities were expected to discuss the case at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

©2020 New York Daily News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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