This disclosure was one of many details provided by Dan Chappel. He is the largest witness in the trial four men accused of a kidnapping conspiracy.
An Army veteran, Chappel explained how he transformed from looking for camaraderie with gun-rights men to becoming a covert operator winning the trust of extremists and recording hours upon hours of conversations. Chappel recorded key conversations during visits to Whitmer's second house and nearby bridges where a bomb might distract the police during an abduction.
This amazing scheme took place two years ago, when Whitmer (a Democrat) and governors from other states were causing anger by imposing stay home orders and other restrictions during COVID-19.
Chappel, 35 was instrumental in introducing at trial profane and violent recordings that were allegedly incriminating to support the government's claim that the group was devoted to snatching Whitmer. This was without any improper influence by the FBI.
Two months prior to the FBI making arrests, Chappel claimed he was driving a pickup truck along with Adam Fox and another person as they took photos and video of Whitmer’s vacation home in Elk Rapids, northern Michigan.
"That's it! No question. Fox said it.
Chappel claimed that he snapped a photo of Fox while they were eating at a local restaurant. He was creating a map of the area including Whitmer's home, a highway and the locations of police stations. The jury was shown the image.
Two weeks later, Fox and Barry Croft Jr. made a return trip with others. They arrived in three vehicles and split the assignments, Chappel testified. While some drove past Whitmer’s house, others were stationed at Birch Lake's boat launch with night-vision goggles.
Chappel stated that there was intense discussion about how to get Whitmer to flee to Lake Michigan.
One participant said, "The big lake would be our best option."
Chappel stated that there were concerns about the timing of the national election, which is just weeks away.
Chappel stated that Whitmer could be elected to the Cabinet if Biden is elected. Her security could also be improved "from the State Police to possibly the Secret Service," Chappel concluded.
He stated that everyone was in agreement with Fox's view that an attack prior to the election was the best. Chappel stated that the final step was to raise $4,000 for an explosive which could be used at Whitmer's house to confuse police.
Jurors heard Croft, a recording of him saying he wanted "her" to go on trial. He added: "Treason's a hanging offense."
Nils Kessler, Assistant U.S. attorney, asked "her" who it was.
Chappel responded, "The governor of Michigan,"
Fox and Croft, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta, are all charged for conspiracy. They could be tried for more than one month.
Chappel spent many hours in the witness chair. Chappel described himself as a libertarian gun rights advocate and a gun rights advocate. He was looking for ways of improving his firearm skills, when he discovered the Wolverine Watchmen on Facebook. Things went wrong.
Chappel confided in a law enforcement friend that they wanted to kill law enforcement officers.
"About one week later, the FBI contacted me. ... They asked me if I would monitor their activities and stay in the group," Chappel explained to the jury.
Defense lawyers claim that informants and agents improperly influence the men. Next week, they will have the opportunity to cross-examine Chappel. Two additional men pleaded guilty and will testify in the end for the government.
Whitmer, who is running for reelection in 2016, rarely speaks publicly about the case. She blames former President Donald Trump, who she claims fomented anger about coronavirus restrictions. She claimed that Trump was complicit with the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.
