On October 8, 2020, the FBI announced they interrupted a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Federal authorities released details from previously sealed charges against 13 people suspected to be involved in various plans to attack law enforcement, overthrow the government and ignite a civil war. According to court documents, 15 people gathered in Dublin, Ohio, on June 6, 2020, to plan their attacks.
While Dublin Police had no knowledge of the conspiracy plan, and have not been involved in this investigation, the City of Dublin and Dublin Police Chief Justin Paez would like to update the community on the location cited in the report. According to local FBI contacts the accused conspirators’ meeting actually occurred in a hotel in the City of Columbus with a Dublin, Ohio postal address. Many Dublin postal addresses fall outside of the City and Police jurisdiction. None of the individuals involved in these plots are from Dublin, Ohio, or have ties to Dublin, Ohio.
There is no indication there was ever a plan involving Dublin, Ohio, or a threat to our community.
The meeting location in Columbus resulted from an equal traveling distance for the individuals attending from outside of the Central Ohio area.
Chief Paez emphasized the City of Dublin will not tolerate any ideology that threatens the safety of our residents or the community and wants to assure the public that the Dublin Police Department takes all threats against public safety seriously.
The Dublin Police Department have an excellent working relationship and open communication with public safety partners at the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Statewide Terrorism Analysis & Crime Center, and local law enforcement networks. We remain vigilant and committed in our effort to ensure public safety for all community members.
