Domestic terrorist group’s plan to kidnap Michigan Governor exposed
A recent alleged domestic terrorist plot against the Democratic Governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, recently came to public attention. Six men were arrested by the FBI and federally charged with attempting to kidnap Governor Whitmer on October 7. Seven others were arrested and charged by the state with terrorism threats targetting law enforcement officials.
Two of the men charged in the domestic terrorism plot, Joseph Morrison and Daniel Harris, served in the Marine Corps for five and four years respectively. The Marine Corps released a statement after the arrest of Morrison and Harris condemning the actions of the two individuals and highlighting the unconstitutionality of their actions.
“The serious allegations are not a reflection of the Marine Corps, do not reflect the oath every Marine takes to support and defend the constitution, and do not align with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.”
Several of the suspects arrested for the alleged terrorist plot are suspected to be supporters of the Boogaloo movement by law enforcement. The Boogaloos do not fit into one category but are described as a right-winged extremist group. Some members are known to be white supremacists. Governor Whitmer has also received criticism from conservative groups on her strict COVID-19 lockdown policies. These policies were the main motivators behind the terrorist plot against her.
An FBI wired informant infiltrated the group’s meetings and recorded audio of their plan. The group planned to overthrow several state governments and to attack the Michigan State Capital using Molotov cocktails against the police force.
Governor Whitmer made a public statement accusing President Trump of inciting violence after he said, “Stand back and stand by,” to white supremacist groups during the first presidential debate. President Trump responded, saying she had “done a terrible job as governor.”
These planned attacks have come at a time when the United States is severely divided between political parties with the 2020 presidential election fast approaching. Governor Whitmer spoke about bipartisan politics after these alleged attack plans were exposed.
“Being a good American leader isn’t a partisan thing,” she explained in an interview, “It’s about recognizing that there’s no room for hate and prejudice and violence in America. … And every one of us should stand against that.”