Far-Right militia behind Michigan ‘kidnap plot’ also planned to target Virginia governor, FBI says

 Virginia Governor Ralph Northam was considered as a potential target by right-wing plotters

Credit: Jay Paul/Reuters

Right-wing extremists accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer also considered abducting her counterpart in Virginia, Ralph Northam.

FBI special agent Richard Trask told US  District Court for the Western District of Michigan that Mr Northam was identified as another potential target at a June planning meeting in Dublin, Ohio.

Both governors, who are Democrats, have faced criticism from Donald Trump over their strict coronavirus restrictions, with the US president calling for both states to be "liberated" on Twitter.

In all 13 people were arrested in connection with the alleged plot to kidnap Ms Whitmer and violently overthrow the state government.

Mr Trask revealed details of the plot at a bail hearing involving five of the suspects.

If convicted the defendants face life imprisonment.

Gretchen Whitmer was targeted by right-wing militian

Credit: Rebecca Cook/Reuters

“At this meeting they discussed possible targets, taking a sitting governor, specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders,” he told the court.

According to evidence gathered by the FBI, the group considered either putting Ms Whitmer "on trial" or sending somebody disguised as a pizza delivery man to "cap her".

Another option, Mr Trask added, was stranding Ms Whitmer on a disabled boat on Lake Michigan.

Anti-government groups from four or five states were present at the Ohio meeting, Mr Trask added as he revealed information gleaned from informants and undercover agents.

The alleged plot comes against a backdrop of increasing political violence in the US, which has seen four people killed in clashes between right and left in recent months.

Mr Northam’s security team was alerted by the FBI of the threat, but Mr Northam himself was not told.

Security around the governor has been stepped up said his spokeswoman,  Alena Yarmosky.

"Here’s the reality," she added.“Here’s the reality: President Trump called upon his supporters to ‘LIBERATE VIRGINIA’ in April just like Michigan. 

"In fact, the president regularly encourages violence against those who disagree with him. The rhetoric coming out of this White House has serious and potentially deadly consequences. It must stop.”