Three things for October 9
1. FBI thwarts plot to kidnap Michigan Governor
Over the past two days, the FBI reportedly thwarted a plot by militia members to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arresting six people and charging them with federal crimes.
Seven others, connected to a militia known as the Wolverine Watchmen, were also charged with crimes related to their plans to storm the capitol. The group was on the FBI’s radar prior to this kidnapping plot.
“The FBI said the Michigan militia group had already been on its radar because its members had attempted in March to acquire the home addresses of local law enforcement officers with the goal of attacking or killing them,” reports NPR.
According to the FBI, the men spied on Whitmer’s vacation home in August and September, looking under a highway bridge for places they could place and detonate a bomb to distract the authorities.
“They indicated that they wanted to take Ms. Whitmer hostage before the election in November, and one man said they should take her to a ‘secure location’ in Wisconsin for a ‘trial,’ Richard J. Trask II, an F.B.I. special agent, said in the criminal complaint,” reports the New York Times.
As this story unfolds, Whitmer remains unharmed as the FBI works to prosecute those involved in the conspiracy.
2. China joins COVAX in effort to fight Covid-19
China, which currently has four coronavirus vaccine candidates in stage 3 clinical trials, said today it is joining the COVID-19 vaccine alliance known as COVAX.
The country signed an agreement with GAVI, the co-leader of the alliance, on Thursday, according to AP News.
The alliance known as COVAX is designed so richer countries agree to buy into potential vaccines and help finance access for poorer countries, reports AP News.
The Trump administration has declined to join the alliance.
The COVAX facility, led by the World Health Organization, plans to deliver at least 2 billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021.
3. SLC and rugby team to host Foos-Truck Friday
The Student Leadership Council is partnering with the men’s and women’s rugby teams to host a night of free food and fun.
Starting at 5 p.m. in Alumni Park, the night will feature life-sized foosball and dinner from Justin’s food truck. The menu can be viewed here.
The first 100 people to arrive at the event will receive free food.
