DETROIT – With so much information pouring in on the Michigan domestic terror plot for informants many are questioning why the FBI jumped in and arrested the group on Oct. 7.
The Local 4 Defenders are sharing one good reason why.
On Sept. 19 just 28 days ago the Local 4 Defenders obtained a Canton police video of a traffic stop.
The officer had no idea that the FBI had been watching Brandon Caserta and others for months regarding a plot to kidnap or kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
As traffic stops go this one was quick and quiet. Caserta would not even have to pay a fine for not having insurance.
After the stop, Caserta was on his YouTube channel raging against police taking money from citizens.
The FBI watched the videos. Two FBI informants on the inside of the group sent agents encrypted messages they say were from Caserta.
In the messages Caserta noted he found out who the officers were in the traffic stop, where they lived and that he could easily kill them.
The informants recorded Caserta then raging against the government. He allegedly said he wanted to start killing as many police officers as possible to add to the kidnapping plot.
Sources say it was this traffic stop and the threats afterwards that led the FBI to swoop in and arrest the group.
Additionally, the FBI was alarmed and worried that police officers might be targeted, sources say.
Previous coverage
- Full plot timeline: Deep dive into the details of a scheme to kidnap Whitmer, hold her hostage
- Whitmer responds: Here’s what Whitmer said about group of Michiganders' plot to kidnap her
- “Milita” vs. Domestic terrorism: Whitmer says, ‘They’re not militias. They’re domestic terrorists’
- Boogaloo connection: Kidnapping suspects linked to ‘boogaloo’ anti-government movement
- From first day in court (Oct. 13):
FBI: Domestic terror group plotting against Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia governor
3 men signed up, trained, plotted ways to kill Whitmer, according to FBI testimony
Domestic terror plot leader wanted to leave Whitmer on boat in middle of Lake Michigan, FBI says
How attorneys plan to defend men accused in kidnapping plot
- From second day in court (Oct. 16):
Defense questions whether domestic terror group would have gone through with plan