One of the two ringleaders of a far-right US militia group that plotted to kidnap and kill Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was sentenced to 16 years in prison Tuesday, the Justice Department announced.
Adam Fox, 39, was convicted alongside co-defendant Barry Croft, 47, in August for conspiracy in planning the Democratic governor's kidnapping and preparing to use weapons of mass destruction in the 2020 plot.
He and several others in the militia, including an FBI informant, planned the attack on Whitmer in part as a response to her Covid-19 quarantine policies but also, they had said, to start a civil war.
The plot involved kidnapping Whitmer from her vacation cottage near Elk Rapids, Michigan, and using improvised bombs targeting security officers to help in their escape, according to the Justice Department.
Fox faced a possible life sentence but was given 16 years in prison.
Croft is to be sentenced on Wednesday.
"Today's sentence reflects the Department of Justice's unwavering commitment to protecting our elected officials, law enforcement officers, and dedicated public servants from criminal threats and violence," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen in a statement.
The sentence came 12 days after three others who participated in the plot received sentences ranging from seven to 12 years for their part in a Michigan state court, where they had been charged with domestic terrorism.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Watch NDTV Dialogues With UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy
Meet Gretchen Whitmer Who May Become Kamala Harris's Running Mate "Clear To Me...": Ron DeSantis Ends US Presidential Campaign, Endorses Trump Woman Becomes 1st Indian-American Lt Governor Of US's Maryland State "Khalistanis Have Polluted Canada," Says Indian-Origin MP After Threats Delhi Man Cheats US Woman Of $400,000. Probe Agency Explains How He Did It World's Most Powerful Passports List Released: Indian Passport Ranks At... "Iran's Useful Idiots": Netanyahu Slams Anti-Israel Protesters In US Speech America, Israel "Must Stand Together": Netanyahu Addresses US Congress Man Robs Employer Of Rs 14.5 Lakh To Pay For Sister's Wedding: Delhi Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.