In an affidavit filed with the court, an FBI agent said that some members of the group talked about killing a “tyrant” or “kidnapping” a sitting governor, referring to Gretchen Whitmer. The group decided they needed to grow in numbers, encouraging each other to talk to their “neighbors” and spread their message.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Photo: Reuters
At least six members of the group have been charged in connection with the terrorist plot, identified as Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta. The six were arrested on the evening of October 7 (local time), charged in federal court and could face life in prison if convicted.

The FBI has been investigating the case through the coordination of undercover agents and confidential informants for several months. Notably, the FBI sent an undercover agent to attend the group’s meeting on June 6, in Dublin, Ohio, with the participation of 15 members of the group.

Speaking at a press conference on October 8 (local time), Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that her office has filed additional charges, under the state’s anti-terrorism law, against seven suspects not named in the FBI affidavit.

Ms. Nessel added that the suspects are all in custody and have connections to the Wolverine Watchmen, a Michigan-based militia group. The group also plotted to attack the Michigan State Capitol.

According to the FBI’s file, these subjects also believe that Ms. Whitmer has “too much power and is currently unchecked by any law.” Recently, Governor Whitmer, a Democrat, has been praised for imposing tough measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic in Michigan./.