FBI: Would-be kidnappers of Michigan governor also discussed targeting Virginia governor

A cadre of conspirators who allegedly sought to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over her COVID-19 lockdown orders considered targeting Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam over similar orders he imposed on his state this year, the FBI revealed on Tuesday. 

The would-be kidnappers "discussed possible targets, taking a sitting governor, specifically issues with the governor of Michigan and Virginia based on the lockdown orders," FBI Special Agent Richard Trask said during a court hearing on Tuesday, according to news reports. 

The meeting at which the potential targets were discussed took place in Ohio in June, the FBI said. 

The FBI last week arrested half a dozen individuals in connection with a plot to kidnap Whitmer, who like Northam is a Democrat.

The militants reportedly tested explosives and conducted surveillance of Whitmer's vacation home in preparation for the alleged coup.