American Student's Trip to Congo Unveiled as Failed Coup Attempt

Marcel Malanga invited friends under false pretenses; three Americans detained, including one on his first overseas trip.

Marcel Malanga, son of slain coup leader Christian Malanga, invited friends to Congo, promising a vacation or humanitarian work.
Tyler Thompson, 21, accepted the invitation and was captured in the failed coup attempt, appearing in videos begging for his life.
Thompson's family believed he was on vacation and had no knowledge of the coup plot or political activism.
Marcel offered significant financial incentives to friends to join him, but most declined due to vague details and safety concerns.
The Congolese government has detained about 50 people, including three Americans, labeling them as state enemies.