Trial of Midwest militia members begins in Mich.

Trial of Midwest militia members begins in Mich.

DETROIT (AP) — Prosecutors are preparing to make their opening statements in the trial of seven members of a Midwest militia accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

Twelve jurors and four alternates were selected during a final round of jury selection today in federal court in Detroit. Judge Victoria Roberts told those chosen that the job is a “heavy responsibility.”

The jurors must decide whether the March 2010 arrests of the defendants and two other Hutaree militia members prevented an attack by homegrown terrorists or whether the government made too much of the boasts of weekend warriors who pledged to “take our nation back.”

Prosecutors say the defendants planned to ambush and kill a police officer at some point, then attack the funeral procession to trigger a revolt against the government.