LogFAQs > #945612688

Over the weekend of July 10-12, 2020, FOX, CROFT, GARBIN, FRANKS, CASERTA, CHS-2, and others attended a FTX in Cambria, Wisconsin. Attendees participated in firearms training and other combat drills. On July 11, at the exercise, CROFT and a member of the militia group attempted to construct an improvised explosive device (IED), using black powder, balloons, a fuse, and BBs for shrapnel. CROFT, GARBIN and the militia group member attempted to make a second IED using similar components. The construction of the devices was faulty, and they did not detonate as planned. CHS-2 provided FBI with video of the event.

On July 18, 2020, GARBIN, FOX, CROFT, HARRIS, FRANKS, CHS-2, and other individuals met in Ohio. CHS-2 provided the FBI with an audio recording of the meeting. The attendees discussed attacking a Michigan State Police facility, and in a separate conversation after the meeting, GARBIN suggested shooting up the Governors vacation home, which is located in the Western District of Michigan (the vacation home.) The same day, GARBIN told CHS-2 and others that he did not want to go after the Capitol. He said he was cool with going after the Governors vacation home, however, even if it only resulted in destruction of property.

On July 27, 2020, CHS-2 met FOX at his business in Grand Rapids. CHS-2 provided the FBI with an audio recording of the meeting. FOX said their best opportunity to abduct Governor Whitmer would be when she was arriving at, or leaving, either her personal vacation home or the Governors official summer residence. Both residences are located in the Western District of Michigan. FOX described it as a Snatch and grab, man. Grab the fuckin Governor. Just grab the bitch. Because at that point, we do that, dude -- its over. FOX said that after kidnapping the Governor, the group would remove her to a secure location in Wisconsin for trial. FOX suggested they get a realtor to help them find the exact location of the vacation home and collect information on the surrounding homes and structures. FOX discussed the importance of knowing the layout of the yard, homes, and security. FOX stated they needed to map out the surrounding property and gates, and they needed plumbers and electricians to help them read blueprints to refine their strategy. FOX also suggested recruiting an engineer or IT [Information Technology] guy, a demo guy, and other operators.

On August 9, 2020, FOX, GARBIN, HARRIS, FRANKS, and CHS-2 participated in a tactical training in Munith, Michigan. CHS-2 provided the FBI with an audio recording of the training. FOX asked the group about kidnapping Governor Whitmer. According to CHS-2, GARBIN initially expressed reluctance to talk about the plan in that setting. After the training, FOX, CHS-2, and others participated in a group call that was recorded by CHS-2. FOX suggested another member of the militia group could gather information about Governor Whitmers primary residence in Lansing, and FOX discussed destroying the Governors boat. After the call, FOX, FRANKS, GARBIN, HARRIS, and CHS-2 communicated in an encrypted group chat. In that chat, HARRIS stated, Have one person go to her house. Knock on the door and when she answers it just cap her . . . at this point. Fuck it. He added, I mean . . . fuck, catch her walking into the building and act like a passers-by and fixing dome her then yourself whoever does it. (sic). In a follow-up chat about the plan, FRANKS told CHS-2, OK sounds good Im in for anything as long as its well planned.