TRAVERSE CITY (WWJ) -- Five men are in court on Monday for a preliminary exam regarding an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
WWJ's Charlie Langton, who is covering the proceedings in Traverse City, reports the men are charged with providing support for terrorist acts and possessing weapons in connection with the kidnapping plot.
These men are part of a Michigan Militia Group known as the Wolverine Watchmen. According to Langton, the Wolverine Watchmen are believed to be part of the larger "Boogaloo movement," whose intent is to start a civil war and overthrow the government.
During the preliminary exam, both the prosecution and defense will present their cases, and a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's team is expected to present recorded conversations, videos and testimony from undercover agents to support the charges.
Langton, also a legal analyst, said the defense will likely argue government overreach and claim that the men "are just part of a militia group that likes to shoot guns and had no intention of overthrowing the government."
If the men are found guilty, they could spend up to 20 years in prison.
In early August, a Federal trial in a Grand Rapids court resulted in 2 men pleading guilty and two acquittals. Two more men were then found guilty in a retrial.
Another trial will take place in Jackson County in October, where three men will be tried.
