Barry Croft Jr. convicted in plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Barry Croft Jr. was due in federal court on Wednesday, a day after key ally Adam Fox was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Prosecutors had recommended a life sentence for his role in a scheme to snatch Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and galvanize their confederates toward civil war in other states. On Wednesday, the prosecution brought up the disturbing social media posts and covertly taped talks that showed a desire to start a "rule of terror" in 2020.

The conspirators were extremely upset over perceived threats to gun ownership and tough COVID-19 restrictions that Whitmer and officials in other states had put in place during the early months of the global pandemic.



Croft, who is a Delaware trucker, regularly wore a tri-cornered hat that was common during the American Revolution and had tattoos with “Expect Us” written over his arms, as he travelled to Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio to meet like-minded extremists and bring his plan to fruition.

Even though he may not have had a hierarchical control over other participants, he was the one coordinating and pushing the implementation of the conspiracy, said Assistant US Attorney Kessler in a court filing. The prosecutor said that the final step of the plan included the governor stepping into her cottage but fortunately she was still beyond their control.

Much credit goes to the FBI who made sure Whitmer was not physically harmed as they were secretly embedded in the group and broke up the plot a month before the 2020 presidential elections and arrested 14 people.

FAQs:

1. Was the FBI involved in breaking up this terror plot ?
   Yes, FBI was embedded in the conspirators group and broke things up a month before the 2020 presidential election
2. Has Whitmer blamed any political figure for the attempted kidnapping ?
   Yes, Whitmer blamed the then-President Donal Trump for giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division which possibly led to the failed kidnapping attempt.