Evidence Ready for Trial Against Trio Charged with Michigan Governor Whitmer’s Kidnap Plot

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On Wednesday, prosecutors were set to lay out evidence against three individuals who stand accused of orchestrating a plot to abduct Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Investigators have characterized this as an extremist conspiracy aimed at sparking a civil war.

The trial, which is set to begin with opening statements from lawyers, involves Eric Molitor and siblings William Null and Michael Null. These three were among a group of 14 defendants indicted just weeks prior to the 2020 November election. Out of those charged, nine have been found guilty in either state or federal courts, including four who accepted guilty pleas, and two were found not guilty.

The investigators have identified the accused as participants in paramilitary organizations, provoked by Governor Whitmer’s regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to school closures and economic restrictions.

The jury for the circuit court was chosen on Monday, consisting of eleven women and seven men from Antrim County, a predominantly Republican rural region favored by tourists. The Governor has a holiday home in Elk Rapids, a village on Lake Michigan.

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From evidence unveiled in earlier trials, it is apparent that the conspirators planned to kidnap the Democratic governor during her second term at her vacation residence and destroy a bridge to deter law enforcement aid. The group was infiltrated by FBI informants and undercover agents over several months, resulting in subsequent arrests. Fortunately, Governor Whitmer remained unscathed.

The accused, Molitor, age 39, and the Null brothers, both 41, face charges of furnishing material support for acts of terrorism—offenses that carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years—and illegal possession of firearms. All have entered pleas of not guilty.

Earlier this year, two additional defendants, Brian Higgins and Shawn Fix, admitted guilt to lesser charges and pledged to assist the prosecution.

The principal conspiracy case regarding the kidnapping was managed in federal court, leading to the conviction of four men, including the identified masterminds Adam Fox and Barry Croft; two were exonerated.

In a separate development, three individuals were found guilty in Jackson County, known as a training location for the self-proclaimed militia members, and are now serving extended prison sentences.

After the kidnapping plot was successfully foiled, Governor Whitmer pointed to then-President Donald Trump, accusing him of providing solace to those who promote fear, hatred, and division. Trump later dismissed the kidnapping plot as a “fake deal” in August 2022.

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More about Michigan Governor Kidnap Plot

• Michigan Governor Whitmer Kidnapping Plot
• Trial Proceedings and Convictions Related to Whitmer’s Kidnap Plot
• Governor Whitmer’s COVID-19 Policies
• Details on the Paramilitary Groups Involved
• President Trump’s Reaction to the Plot