Man sentenced over plot to abduct Gov. Whitmer

Ty Garbin, 25, who was part of a group of about 14 men has been sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to abduct Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer because of her COVID-19 restrictions. Garbin the only man out of the group to have pleaded guilty was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,500.

He was sentenced on Wednesday, and while today many of the restrictions in Michigan have been lifted, Gov. Whitmer came out strong in her Pandemic response last year, drawing criticism from residents, small-businesses and countless other people who lost their income.

The group accused for the plot initially planned to storm the state capitol in Lansing, but then dumped the idea and went instead with a plan to abduct the Governor while she was in her vacation home last year. Seven members of the group are to face charges of terrorism and gang-related offences, while six have already been charged, Garbin being the only member to plead guilty and reveal the entire plot.

Garbin, signing a plea bargain described all or most of the details of the plot. According to him, six men had trained at his residence and also constructed a “shoot house” which was to be identical to the Governor’s vacation home. Their plan had them rush into the Governor’s vacation home while being fully armed.

The defendant also apologized to the Governor for distressing her family.

Last year, after announcing strict lockdown measures Gretchen Whitmer faced massive protests and saw protestors gather outside the state capitol. She was compared to Adolf Hitler after her restrictions ended thousands of livelihoods and made people fearful of their freedom back when the anxiety of government control was real and people were unfamiliar with the virus.

Garbin’s lawyer shed light on the reason behind their client’s misconduct and his frustration for losing his job as an aviation mechanic because of Whitmer’s restrictions instigated him to make that decision.

According to Gov. Whitmer, she is still receiving threats.