Michigan Militia Member Apologizes for Attempted Kidnapping of Governor

Ty Garbin, a 25-year-old airplane mechanic and member of the Michigan-based Wolverine Watchmen militia group, has been sentenced by a federal judge to six years and three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to taking part in a plot to kidnap the state’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer, over her response to the coronavirus pandemic, reports the Wall Street Journal. Garbin is the only member of the group to plead guilty to the alleged plot and faced up to life in prison for his plea to one count of kidnapping conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors had recommended he receive nine years because of his acceptance of guilt and cooperation in the investigation as well as his plans to testify against his alleged co-conspirators. Garbin’s lawyers argued for six years, citing his history of abuse by his father and his cooperation with the government. The five others are scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 12. As a result of  Garbin’s cooperation, some of them face additional charges, including conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction, possession of a destructive device and possession of illegal firearms. In a brief statement in court, Garbin apologized to Ms. Whitmer and her family, adding that he planned to work with groups that aim to deradicalize others.