3 Men Convicted Of Plotting To Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer

Three men were convicted Wednesday of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Joseph Morrison, 28, Pete Musico, 44, and Paul Bellar, 24, were convicted of providing material support to terrorists, gang membership and possessing weapons while committing a felony. They face up to 20 years in prison. Eleven other men are charged with state or federal crimes in the 2020 kidnapping plot.

According to court testimony, the three men had been a part of a paramilitary group, the Wolverine Watchmen, and were upset with Whitmer's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to officials, the group planned to kidnap her from her vacation home and have her stand "trial" on treason charges. They also trained for the abduction, according to court documents. Assistant Attorney General Sunita Doddamani said the group "sought out terrorists, and when they found them, they trained them."

The FBI infiltrated the group before they could carry out the plot, the Detroit News noted.

Adam Fox, 38, and Barry Croft Jr., 46, were convicted in August of two counts of conspiracy related to the kidnapping and attempts to use a weapon of mass destruction. Prosecutors said the pair were the leaders and allegedly planned to blow up a bridge near Gov. Whitmer's vacation home to prevent police from responding quickly to the incident.

According to the Associated Press, Army veteran and FBI informant Dan Chappel played a critical role in foiling the plot. He spent the summer of 2020 getting close to Fox and other members.

Whitmer is running for re-election against Republican challenger Tudor Dixon.