A raid on a property in southeastern Michigan is tied to a scheme to kidnap Michigan's governor, according to the FBI.
The Detroit News and WXYZ-TV reported Thursday that a team of FBI agents raided a home in Hartland Township, just east of the state capital of Lansing. An affidavit from the FBI alluded to a plot to violently overthrow the government and kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
"Several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor," according to the affidavit quoted in the News. "The group decided they needed to increase their numbers and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbours and spread their message."
Both news organizations reported that 13 people have been arrested in connection with this investigation. Six of the suspects identified in the filing are Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta.
In a media conference Thursday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge of the Western District of Michigan said that the charges may result in penalties up to life imprisonment if convicted.
"The alleged conspirators used operational security measures, including communicating via encrypted messaging platforms, and used code words and phrases in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement," said Birge.
At least six other people were identified as being part of the plot.
The affidavit also said that the alleged perpetrators conducted surveillance on Whitmer's vacation home and discussed holding her at a remote location in Wisconsin to have her "stand trial" for treason before the U.S. presidential election on November 3.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that the investigation covered multiple jurisdictions across the state. The militia group's name has not been disclosed.
The News also reported that the governor's official residence in Lansing recently underwent major security upgrades, including the building of a new perimeter fence.
All charges must still be proven in court.