The conspiracy to kidnap the governor sparked a nationwide outcry when it emerged just weeks before the 2020 presidential election.
Three far-right activists accused in the United States of conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s Democratic governor were found guilty of “domestic terrorism” on Wednesday, October 27.
Two other far-right activists had previously been convicted two months ago of orchestrating the kidnapping of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the anti-Covid restrictions imposed by the elected official in that northern US state.
Up to 20 years imprisonment
Joseph Morrison, Paul Bellar and Pete Musico – all of Michigan origin and described as members of the far-right Wolverine Watchmen militia – face up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a press release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2022.
“Today three defendants were convicted by me of providing material assistance to terrorism, gang membership and possession of weapons in the commission of a felony in support of a conspiracy to kidnap and kill,” Democrat Gretchen Whitmer said on Twitter right after the Attorney General’s Court ruling.
The conspiracy to kidnap the governor, which Dana Nessel’s office said also included inciting a civil war in the United States, sparked a national outcry when it was revealed just weeks before the 2020 presidential election.
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“Terrorist attacks and shootings are not spontaneous acts, they are the result of planning, conspiracy and the accumulation of resources for acts of violence,” commented Dana Nessel.
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The arrests of these activists in 2020 highlighted the growing threat posed by far-right militias, which was then confirmed by the attack on the Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021, involving members of groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.