FBI agents have raided a home near Detroit in connection with the “ongoing Grand Rapids prosecution,” where several men are on trial for allegedly plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Wednesday.
FBI Special Agent Mara Schneider said in a statement to NBC News that a home was searched Friday in Hazel Park, a suburb north of Detroit.
According to Schneider, “The Detroit FBI will work closely with other FBI field offices and with our law enforcement partners across the country to determine the source of any threat to anyone involved in the ongoing prosecution in Grand Rapids.”
“Individuals found responsible for making threats that violate state and/or federal law will be prosecuted in the appropriate jurisdiction.”
Schneider declined to go into detail about who might be the targets of these threats.
a Federal Court in Grand Rapids It is the site of four men on trial for allegedly planning to kidnap Whitmer.
The Detroit news tuesdayCiting two anonymous sources familiar with the investigation, they reported that the raid was linked to threats against US District Court Chief Robert Juncker and defense attorneys Josh Blanchard and Christopher Gibbons.
Juncker is presiding over the Grand Rapids trial of conspiracy leaders, accused Barry Croft and Adam Fox, and their attorneys, Blanchard and Gibbons.
as they are He entered court in Grand Rapids on WednesdayBlanchard and Gibbons tell NBC affiliate WOOD that they have received threats but are not concerned about them.
“The Marshals take good care of us,” Blanchard said. “I think we are all comfortable with what they do for us.”
Gibbons said he was subjected to a “public threat” but dismissed it as “big talk”.
“I think we’re doing a good job,” Gibbons added. “We have security. We’re fine.”
Back in October 2020, more More than ten men have been arrested Federal charges and indictments relating to the alleged failed plot to kidnap Whitmer.
The Democratic governor had angered far-right activists and others who opposed the restrictions it imposed that year aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Armed protesters took to the streets of Lansing, the state capital, during the early days of Whitmer’s orders to shut down the coronavirus. US President Donald Trump tweeted, “Liberated Michigan!” In April of that year.
Ava Kelly And the Pete Williams Contributed.
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