Domestic terror plot leader wanted to leave Whitmer on boat in middle of Lake Michigan, FBI says

The leader of a domestic terror plot targeting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wanted to leave her on a boat in the middle of Lake Michigan after kidnapping her, an FBI agent testified.

• 3 men signed up, trained, plotted ways to kill Whitmer, according to FBI testimony
• FBI: Domestic terror group plotting against Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia governor

Adam Fox, 34, of Grand Rapids, was one of five Michigan men in court Tuesday on charges that they conspired to kidnap the governor. Ty Garbin, Daniel Harris, Kaleb Franks and Brandon Caserta were the others who appeared in court Tuesday.

VIEW: Mugshots, names for all 13 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Whitmer

FBI Special Agent Richard Trask said he personally interviewed Fox when the men were arrested Oct. 7.

Trask was asked why the men had been inspecting a boat ramp while plotting to kidnap Whitmer.

“To be able to get a boat and take the governor out on the boat, leaving the area,” Trask said.

• Group plotting to kidnap Whitmer wanted to take her to Wisconsin for ‘trial’
• Leader of Whitmer abduction plot inspected bridge for where to plant explosives, FBI says

“What, if anything, did (Fox) say about the governor and the lake? What was his plan?” Trask was asked.

“Mr. Fox stated his plan or his idea was to take her out on the boat and leave her out in the middle of Lake Michigan,” Trask said. “Disable the engine and just leave the boat around.”

The idea was that someone would have to go out to to the center of the lake and rescue her, according to authorities.