FBI arrests 13 members of Wolverine Watchmen militia for plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor

On October 8, 2020, the FBI announces the arrests of 13 men — 6 charged federally, 7 charged by Michigan — for plotting to kidnap Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, blow up bridges to cut off police response, and "try" Whitmer in Wisconsin for alleged "treason" against the Constitution. The plot is carried out by the Wolverine Watchmen, an anti-government militia whose radicalization against Whitmer followed Trump's April 17 "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" tweet and the subsequent armed occupation of the Michigan state capitol. Whitmer tells CBS Face the Nation on October 11: "Extremists like the Wolverine Watchmen are 'finding comfort and support in the rhetoric coming out of Republican leadership from the White House to our state House.'" Trump does not condemn the plotters; instead, he attacks Whitmer on Twitter, writing "Governor Whitmer of Michigan has done a terrible job. She locked down her state for everyone, except her husband's boat." Adam Fox, the plot's leader, is sentenced to 16.5 years in prison in 2022. Barry Croft Jr., a co-conspirator, is sentenced to 19.5 years in 2023. The FBI's affidavit documents that the plotters discussed the plan in the weeks following Trump's "LIBERATE" tweets.