2 Men Convicted in Plot to Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
SnopesDec 25, 2022
Two Convicted in Plot to Kidnap Mich. Gov.
Image copyright: Kent County Jail via Associated Press [via The New York Times]
The Facts
A federal jury in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tues. convicted Adam Fox and Barry Croft. Jr. of conspiring to kidnap Mich. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and obtain a weapon of mass destruction. Croft was also convicted on a second explosives charge.
Prosecutors say the men, arrested in Oct. 2020, were angry at what they considered overly restrictive COVID policies. Their plan, which they began plotting in June 2020, included abducting Whitmer from her vacation home, blowing up a bridge, and - they hoped - sparking a second Civil War.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This conspiracy serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of domestic terrorism in the US. The convictions, however, have proved that violence and threats have no place in American politics. Now more must be done to address the root causes through new policy approaches, strong leadership and dedicated attention.
Republican narrative
The real conspiracy here was carried out by the FBI, who might have used as many as 12 informants or undercover agents to frame these men. US District Judge Robert Jonker also played his part, showing his bias by limiting the amount of time the defense had to cross examine witnesses.
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