Whitmer Plot Underlines Growing Abuse Of Women Officials

Researchers say women are dramatically more likely than their male counterparts to face threats and violence.

Angry over COVID-19 restrictions such as the closing of gyms, people from several states met in Ohio in June 2020 to plot ways to overthrow government "tyrants," prosecutors say. Within a week, they chose Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a target.

The plan, as outlined in a federal court indictment, was to kidnap Whitmer at her family's northern Michigan vacation home and take her to Wisconsin for a "trial." Over several months, they held training exercises and conducted surveillance on Whitmer's home in preparation for what a group leader called "a snatch and grab."

"Just grab the bitch," Adam Fox was recorded telling a confidential informant working with the FBI, prosecutors say. "Because at that point, we do that, dude — it's over."