By David Eggert and Kathleen Foody - The Associated Press
Members of anti-government paramilitary groups discussed
the possible kidnapping of the Virginia governor during a June meeting
in Ohio, an FBI agent said during a court hearing in Michigan on Tuesday.
Special Agent Richard Trask is part of the investigation that last week culminated in
the arrest and indictment of six men on charges of conspiracy to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
.
Seven other men face terrorism charges.
Trask did not mention the Democratic Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, by name during his testimony in federal court in Grand Rapids.
And he said members of anti-government groups from various states attended the meeting.
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"They discussed possible targets for electing an incumbent governor, they spoke specifically about the Michigan and Virginia governors based on the shutdown orders," Trask said.
He also claimed
that the people who gathered were unhappy with the governors' response to the coronavirus pandemic
.
Trask did not detail the additional planning that focused on Northam.
The June meeting is part of an FBI investigation into several anti-government groups, resulting in a surprise announcement last week that six men had been arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer.
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Tuesday's court hearing was intended to review investigators' evidence against Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta and determine whether they should be detained before trial.
All the men are Michigan residents.
A sixth man, Barry Croft, was in custody in Delaware.
The FBI used confidential sources, undercover agents, and clandestine recordings to thwart the alleged kidnapping conspiracy.
In August and September, some defendants conducted a coordinated surveillance operation of the Democratic governor's vacation home
in northern Michigan, according to a criminal complaint.
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The men were trying to retaliate against Whitmer because of his "inordinate power" amid the coronavirus pandemic, authorities said.
They said four people had planned to meet last week to pay for explosives and exchange tactical equipment.
Whitmer, who was touted as a possible running mate for Joe Biden and is nearly halfway through a four-year term, has been widely praised for her response to the virus outbreak, but has also come under fire from Republican lawmakers and lawmakers. people living in conservative areas of Michigan.
The Capitol has been the scene of many demonstrations, including some with armed people demanding his removal.
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Whitmer placed severe restrictions on personal movement and the economy, although many of those measures were suspended since the spring.
Fox, who was described as one of the leaders of the conspiracy, lived in the basement of a vacuum shop in Grand Rapids.
The owner said
Fox was opposed to wearing a mask during the pandemic and kept firearms and ammunition in the store.
If convicted, the defendants could face a life sentence.
Seven other people linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were indicted in state court for allegedly attempting to
storm the Michigan Capitol and provide material support for terrorist acts attempting to spark a "civil war."