FBI Thwarts Conspiracy to Kidnap Michigan Governor

In total, 19 state felony charges for firearms and terror-related acts were filed against seven individuals known to be members or associates of the group known as Wolverine Watchmen.

The FBI says it thwarted a plot to violently overthrow the government and kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The alleged plot involved reaching out to members of a Michigan militia, according to a federal affidavit filed Thursday. 

The court filing also alleges the conspirators twice conducted surveillance at Whitmer's personal vacation home and discussed kidnapping her to a "secure location" in Wisconsin to stand "trial" for treason prior to the Nov. 3 election.

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

The Detroit News reports the affidavit was filed hours after a team of FBI agents raided a Hartland Township home Wednesday and comes amid an ongoing investigation into the death of a Metro Detroit man killed during a shootout with FBI agents.

Through confidential sources, undercover agents and "clandestine" recordings, federal agents tracked the six men during their planning to kidnap Whitmer.

In total, 19 state felony charges for firearms and terror-related acts were filed against seven individuals known to be members or associates of the group known as Wolverine Watchmen.

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