In the US state of Michigan, three men have been convicted for their part in plotting a 2020 kidnapping of Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The kidnap ultimately never took place.
In August, two other men were already convicted of planning the kidnapping. They were said to have been the leaders of a conspiracy that prosecutors say stemmed from anger over the corona restrictions Whitmer had introduced in Michigan. Prosecutors say the conspirators hoped the kidnapping would spark a violent uprising and spark a civil war.
The individuals on trial Wednesday (local time) were found guilty of gun law violations, gang membership and providing material intended for terrorism. Two of them, a man (28) and his father-in-law (44) organized tactical training sessions for members of the group on their land in a remote part of Michigan.
The third convict (23) is said to have prepared code language and an attack plan for the group and supplied ammunition. The three could each face up to 20 years in prison. The judge will rule on the sentences of the men on December 15.
Whitmer told The New York Times after the judge’s ruling: “This is an expected, disturbing consequence of the radicalization, hatred and conspiratorial mindset that fester in America and threaten the very foundation of our republic.”
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