An FBI agent testified in court on that a domestic terrorist group that formed a plan to kidnap and murder Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.
Read More: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer blames kidnap plot on Trump’s rhetoric
FBI agent Richard Trask made the remarks during a preliminary hearing in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Tuesday, The Washington Post reports. The “Wolverine Watchmen,” as the group identified themselves, were targeting the Democratic officials because of the state-mandated restrictions they put in response to the coronavirus pandemic and to halt its spread.
“At this meeting they discussed possible targets, taking a sitting governor, specifically issues with the governors of Michigan and Virginia, based upon the lockdown orders,” Trask told the court.
Trask added that kidnapping Whitmer and Northam was discussed among the members of the militia.
“The understanding at the time was to potentially kidnap a sitting governor and remove them from office,” Trask said.
The FBI became aware of the plot on June 6 at a meeting in Dublin, Ohio due to an informant who feared “based on concerns (over) some of the directions that the group was headed and potential violence.”
Adam Fox, one of the men accused in the kidnapping plot, began to recruit for others to help carry out the criminal acts according to Trask.
Trask also shared that the accused conspirators also focused their ire on law enforcement. The militia members contemplated destroying the Michigan State Police buildings. They mused about blowing up a bridge to stop police from helping Whitmer for when they carried out their kidnapping conspiracy.
Read More: Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs bill expunging certain marijuana convictions
Brandon Caserta, one of the men accused, messaged to other members that he wanted to “tap them,” which is slang for killing after he was pulled over and given a ticket for driving without a license.
Tuesday’s hearing was to determine if some of the men accused in the kidnapping plot against Whitmer can be released on bond. Seven are charged by Michigan state officials with giving support to terrorist acts.
Last week, theGrio reported that the FBI halted an organized plan to kidnap Whitmer in an effort to overthrow the government. Fox, Caserta, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, and Daniel Harris were named in a federal affidavit.
Whitmer spoke out against the plot on her life and criticized President Donald Trump for his rhetoric which has been seen as encouraging domestic terrorist groups. In April, he tweeted “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”
Armed militia soon showed up to protest Whitmer’s stay at home orders in front of the Michigan Capitol.
“When our leaders meet with, encourage, or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and they are complicit. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit,” Whitmer said.
No charges have yet been announced related to the suspected plot against Northam.
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