FBI charges six people in plot to kidnap Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer, overthrow government

The federal government has charged six individuals with conspiring to kidnap Gov. Democratic Gretchen Whitmer. 

Charges unsealed Thursday showing the individuals contemplated a violent overthrow of the state government and had gone so far as to test explosive devices and conduct firearms and training.

According to FBI documents, the mini-militia began plotting earlier this year and was motivated by the belief that Whitmer was repeatedly violating the Constitution by issuing restrictive executive orders for the coronavirus lockdown.

Discussions in early 2020 included the use of 200 men to "storm" the Capitol Building, in Lansing, to kidnap hostages, including Whitmer. The group also conducted surveillance of the governor's vacation home on at least two occasions this summer. The plot was meant to be executed prior to the Nov. 3 elections, according to the FBI's affidavit.

Whitmer is expected to deliver a statement at 3 p.m. Thursday.