Expert: Militias shift focus to states since Trump

An analyst with Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism says 13 people charged in plots against Michigan goverr and police is largest militia group-related arrest since 2011.

Mark Pitcav, a senior research fellow, says that's when several people were arrested on murder and or charges related to a militia group in Georgia.

Michigan authorities anunced Thursday that nts foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

y anunced charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home.

Six men were charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap goverr in reaction to what y viewed as her "uncontrolled power," according to a federal complaint.

Separately, seven ors were charged in state court under Michigan's anti-terrorism laws for allegedly targeting police and seeking a "civil war."

A few hours later, Whitmer pinned some blame on President Donald Trump, ting that he did t condemn white supremacists in last week's debate with Joe Biden and instead told a far-right group to "stand back and stand by."

Pitcav says that it's coincidence militia groups have focused more on state governments in recent years.

"Traditionally, anti-government anger of militia movement has been directed at federal government," he said. "But because militia movement came out in support of Donald Trump, it's very difficult to be so angry at federal government if someone you love is at head of it."

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, according to an FBI affidavit.

y were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted.

Four had planned Wednesday to meet to "make a payment on explosives and exchange tactical gear," FBI said in court filing.

FBI quoted one of accused as saying Whitmer "has checks and balances at all. She has uncontrolled power right w. All good things must come to an end."

Andrew Birge, U.S. attorney in western Michigan, called men "violent extremists."