Three men convicted on terrorism charges in Governor kidnap plot

Three men have been convicted of aiding a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Joseph Morrison, Paul Beller and Pete Musico face up to 20 years in prison after being convicted of providing material support for terrorist acts, possessing a firearm while committing a felony, and being members of a gang.

The plot was said to be triggered by anti-government extremism and Whitmer's actions during the pandemic.

In a previous trial, Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. were convicted on federal charges of plotting to kidnap.

According to prosecutors, the defendants planned to kidnap Whitmer from her holiday home, blow up a bridge and ignite an armed rebellion ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

All five of the defendants were members of the Wolverine Watchmen, a far-right paramilitary group, which sometimes met for firearm training in anticipation of the "boogaloo" - an uprising against the government.

On Twitter, Whitmer said: "Today, three defendants were found guilty of material support for terrorism, gang membership, and possession of a weapon while committing a felony in support of the plot to kidnap and kill me.

"Now, hear me loud and clear: I will not let anyone get in the way of the work we do."

Image: Cjh1452000/Wikimedia