Topline
A Michigan man pleaded guilty in the plot to kidnap Governor. Gretchen Whitmer (D), was sentenced Wednesday to more than six years imprisonment after pleading guilty to plotting to kidnap Gov.
Michigan Governor. Michigan Governor AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
Federal judge Robert Jonker ordered Ty Garbin to serve 75 months in prison. Garbin, along with other members of the far-right militia group Wolverine Watchmen, pleaded guilty in January to kidnapping conspiracy. They were accused of plotting Whitmer's kidnapping. The Watchmen resentfully imposed Covid-19 restrictions. Garbin offered his condolences to Whitmer's family at the sentencing hearing. The Associated Press reported that Garbin said: "I cannot even imagine how much stress and fear her family felt due to my actions."
What to Watch
Garbin could return to court if five others in the Whitmer kidnapping conspiracy are brought on trial. Garbin, as part of his plea agreement, agreed to assist federal prosecutors in other investigations into the kidnapping plot. He may also testify in court.
Important Background
Over a dozen people were arrested by federal and state authorities for plotting to harm Whitmer, and other Michigan officials. Federal prosecutors claim Garbin and others met for reconnaissance drills and training sessions. Garbin also suggested that Whitmer and other Michigan officials be kidnapped.
Contra
His attorney stated that Garbin had not pleaded guilty to kidnapping Whitmer and that the group was not serious about it. He also said that the group mainly spent their time complaining about the governor and playing in the woods. A lawyer representing another militia member in state court said that law enforcement officers had entrapped him, and claimed the kidnapping plot was partly orchestrated by an FBI informant. BuzzFeed News reported in July.
Continue reading
Man Accused of Plotting to Kidnap Michigan Governor Pleads Guilty (Forbes).
Watching the Watchmen (BuzzFeed News).
