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Men Accused In Plot On Michigan Governor Attended Protests

(AP PHOTO/PAUL SANCYA FILE)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Among the protesters who rallied at the Michigan Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus lockdown this past spring were armed men now accused in plots to kidnap her, storm the Capitol and start a "civil war." The development has sparked scrutiny of the rallies as potential recruitment events. The demonstrations were organized by conservative groups opposed to the Democratic governor's orders. They also drew members of paramilitary groups carrying rifles. Whitmer tells The Associated Press says she isn't surprised that some of the defendants attended the protests and "anyone who is just hasn't been paying attention."

The U.S. Marine Corps has confirmed that two men charged in plots against Michigan's government spent time in the military. The Marines issued a statement saying officials are "aware of the circumstances surrounding" Daniel Harris and Joseph Morrison and will assist in any way in the investigation. Harris is one of six men charged federally with conspiring to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The 26-year-old Morrison is one of seven men charged with terrorism in state court for allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and ignite a "civil war."