Plot to Kidnap Gov Fails, 13 Arrested

Gov. Whitmer delivers a response to the arrest

VanSingel, Bumstead condemn actions, praise law enforcement

A plot to kidnap the Governor went awry as 13 suspects were arrested after an undercover FBI initiative foiled their plot.
The alleged scheme included plans to overthrow several state governments.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that six people were charged federally with conspiracy to kidnap, and seven other people, associated with the militia group "Wolverine Watchmen," were charged by the state. 
"The individuals in (state) custody are suspected to have attempted to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them, made threats of violence intended to instigate a civil war, and engaged in planning and training for an operation to attack the capitol building of Michigan and to kidnap government officials, including the governor of Michigan," Nessel said at a press conference.

“I'm horrified to learn of the plot to harm the governor,” said State Representative Scott VanSingel. “ Violence has no place in our nation's political process and I hope these individuals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“I'm proud of the law enforcement officers who uncovered this plot before it could be carried out.” 

State Senator Jon Bumstead also condemned the action
“Threatening the governor’s life or plotting to kidnap her is appalling. Any policy or political differences that people may have with the governor, or any elected official, should be settled at the ballot box. 
 “Today’s news announcement confirms the importance of and need for our brave women and men in law enforcement. Their ability to protect not only our governor, but everyone in Michigan, is vital to ensuring we have safe communities throughout our state.
 “I am grateful the governor and her family were able to stay safe through this shameful act, and I am thankful for the tireless work of our law enforcement who dedicate their lives to protect us all.”

​At her press conference the Governor  called out President Trump stating, “This should be a moment for national unity. Where we all pull together as Americans to meet this challenge head-on – with the same might and muscle that put a man on the moon. Seeing the humanity in one another and doing our part to help our country get through this.  
 “Instead – our head of state has spent the past seven months denying science. Ignoring his own health experts. Stoking distrust and fomenting anger. And giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.”
 
Whitmer also cited a speech by Ronald Reagan delivered in 1981:
“A few isolated groups in the backwater of American life still hold perverted notions of what America is all about. Recently in some places in the nation there's been a disturbing reoccurrence of bigotry and violence.I would like to address a few remarks to those groups who still adhere to senseless racism and religious prejudice, to those individuals who persist in such hateful behavior.
“You are the ones who are out of step with our society. You are the ones who willfully violate the meaning of the dream that is America. And this country, because of what it stands for, will not stand for your conduct."