FBI busts plot to abduct Michigan Governor

Six men were charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap the U.S. state of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, while 7 others were charged in state court under Michigan's anti-terrorism laws with allegedly targeting police and seeking a "civil war," reported Xinhua.

Local media quoted an FBI affidavit as saying on Thursday that the six men charged in federal court plotted for months, consulting and training with members of a group that federal authorities described as a militia, and undertaking rehearsals in August and September.

They were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. Of the six, five are from Michigan, and one from Delaware.

In a separate but related action, state authorities announced terrorism-related charges against seven men. The seven men are accused of identifying the homes of law enforcement officers and making violent threats "intended to instigate a civil war," local media quoted Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

They trained for an operation to attack the Michigan Capitol and to kidnap officials, including the governor, Nessel said.

Whitmer thanked law enforcement for thwarting the alleged conspirators and hoped that convictions will bring "these sick and depraved men to justice."