GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The co-leader of a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Adam Fox returned to federal court Tuesday, December 27 four months after he and Barry Croft Jr. were convicted of conspiracy charges at a second trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Federal prosecutors have pushed for the life sentence under a terrorism enhancement they say is appropriate because he planned to blow up bridges as part of the plot. Defense attorneys disagreed however, saying prosecutors have overblown his role and that Fox would never have been able to actually kidnap the governor.
Investigators say Fox led a group of militia members planning to kidnap the governor because they were angry over the executive orders she issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Whitmer wasn’t physically harmed. The FBI was secretly embedded in the group and made 14 arrests.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the following statement in response to Tuesday’s sentencing of Fox in the United States District Court – Western District of Michigan:
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that domestic terrorism will not be tolerated. Adam Fox’s actions undermined the security of every Michigan resident. I remain deeply grateful to Judge Jonker, the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the Michigan State Police and every person who worked together to ensure justice was served.”
