PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Thirteen people, including a Delaware man, are facing charges after federal agents foiled a plot by anti-government extremists to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Barry Croft, 44, of Bear, Delaware, is one of six men facing federal charges of conspiracy to kidnap and, if convicted, could serve life in prison. Seven others, who are part of the militia group Wolverine Watchmen were charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Croft is the only suspect who is not from Michigan.
“The federal complaint in this case alleges that the FBI began an investigation earlier this year after becoming aware, through social media, that a group of individuals was discussing the violent overthrow of certain government and law enforcement components,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge of the Western District of Michigan said during a news conference on Thursday.
According to the complaint, Croft and another suspect, “agreed to unite others in their cause and take violent action against multiple state governments that they believe are violating the U.S. Constitution.”
Authorities say a group, including Croft, met in Dublin, Ohio, in June to discuss “creating a society that followed the U.S. Bill of Rights and where they could be self-sufficient.” Investigators say they spoke about state governments they believe were violating the Constitution and mentioned Whitmer. “Several members talked about murdering “tyrants” or “taking” a sitting governor,” according to the complaint.
The anti-government group allegedly targeted Whitmer for her executive orders that forced some businesses to close as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The feds say the suspects took part in firearms and combat training, and twice staked out the governor’s vacation home for surveillance. Croft and another person, authorities say, even tried to build an explosive device. It did not work and, according to the complaint, a confidential source recorded the attempt on video.
Authorities say they finalized their plans in September, and on Oct. 7, several of them were trying to buy explosives to be used as a distraction.
“As a mom with two teenage daughters and three stepsons, my husband and I are eternally grateful to everyone who put themselves in harm's way to keep our family safe,” Whitmer said during a news conference on Thursday. “I knew this job would be hard, but I’ll be honest: I never could have never imagined anything like this.”
Whitmer blamed President Donald Trump, saying his rhetoric encourages the behavior and she mentioned his comments regarding the Proud Boys during last week’s presidential debate.
"'Stand back and stand by,' he told them. Stand back and stand by. Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry, as a call to action,” Whitmer said.
The president tweeted about the situation Thursday night. He continued to criticize the job the governor has been doing.
“... I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence. Defending ALL Americans, even those who oppose and attack me, is what I will always do as your President! Governor Whitmer—open up your state, open up your schools, and open up your churches!”