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Facebook Approached FBI About Michigan Militia Six Months Ago

  • Social network removed Wolverine Watchmen’s page in June
  • Thirteen men are charged in plot to kidnap state’s governor
Facebook App And Logo As Crisis Reignites Washington Scrutiny Of Social Networks
Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Facebook Inc. first approached the FBI six months ago about activity on its platform that led to 13 men being charged in Michigan with planning to storm the state capitol and kidnap the governor.

The company alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation that there were discussions happening on its social network about overthrowing the government and law enforcement, according to a person familiar with the tip who asked not to be identified discussing the confidential probe. The FBI was already investigating a Facebook Group for a Michigan militia, called the Wolverine Watchmen, and the company ultimately removed the group in late June.