Current:Home > MyProsecutors prepare evidence in trial of 3 men accused in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Prosecutors prepare evidence in trial of 3 men accused in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
View Date:2024-12-23 19:02:28
BELLAIRE, Mich. (AP) — Prosecutors were preparing Wednesday to present evidence against three men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in what investigators described as an extremist scheme to ignite a civil war.
Attorneys were scheduled to make opening arguments in the trial of Eric Molitor and brothers William Null and Michael Null, who were among 14 defendants charged weeks before the November 2020 election. Nine have been convicted in state or federal court, including four who pleaded guilty, while two were acquitted.
Investigators described them as members of paramilitary groups angered by Whitmer’s COVID-19 policies, which shut down schools and restricted the economy.
Eleven women and seven men were selected Monday to serve as circuit court jurors in Republican-leaning Antrim County, a rural area popular with tourists. Whitmer has a vacation home in the Lake Michigan village of Elk Rapids.
Evidence presented in previous trials suggested the plotters intended to abduct the two-term Democratic governor there and blow up a bridge to prevent law enforcement officers from aiding her. Informants and undercover FBI agents were inside the group for months, leading to arrests. Whitmer was not physically harmed.
Molitor, 39, and the Null brothers, both 41, are charged with providing material support for terrorist acts — punishable by up to 20 years in prison — and illegally possessing firearms. They have pleaded not guilty.
Two other defendants, Brian Higgins and Shawn Fix, pleaded guilty to reduced charges earlier this year and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.
The main kidnapping conspiracy case was handled in federal court, where four men, including ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft, were convicted. Two others were acquitted.
Separately, three men were convicted at trial in Jackson County, the site of training for self-styled militia members, and are serving lengthy prison terms.
After the plot was thwarted, Whitmer blamed then-President Donald Trump, saying he had given “comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.” Trump called the kidnapping plan a “fake deal” in August 2022.
veryGood! (3313)
Related
- 2 dead in explosion at Kentucky factory that also damaged surrounding neighborhood
- Kate Middleton and Prince William Share Heartwarming Photo of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
- Top Florida GOP fundraiser launches GoFundMe for Trump rally shooting victims
- ‘Hillbilly Elegy': JD Vance’s rise to vice presidential candidate began with a bestselling memoir
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- England vs Spain highlights: Mikel Oyarzabal goal wins thrilling Euro 2024 final
- Morgan Wallen announces homecoming Knoxville concert. Here's how to get tickets
- Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024 Deals That Are Sure To Sell Out: Shop Le Creuset, UGG, Longchamp & More
- CFP bracket prediction: SEC adds a fifth team to field while a Big Ten unbeaten falls out
- Doctor at Trump rally describes rendering aid to badly wounded shooting victim: There was lots of blood
Ranking
- Brian Austin Green Shares Message to Sharna Burgess Amid Ex Megan Fox's Baby News
- Your guide to the iconic Paris landmarks serving as Olympics venues
- 'Good Morning Football' set to relaunch in July after NFL Network reboots show
- Miami mayor outraged by Copa America disaster at Hard Rock Stadium, joins calls for change
- Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
- Samsung announces Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6. Is it time to get a foldable smartphone?
- Powerball winning numbers for July 13 drawing: Jackpot rises to $64 million
- The Smile cancels European concert tour after Jonny Greenwood hospitalized for infection
Recommendation
-
Klay Thompson returns to Golden State in NBA Cup game. How to watch
-
Tori Spelling Applauds Late Beverly Hills, 90210 Costar Shannen Doherty for Being a Rebel
-
Blue-collar steel town tries to dig out from day of infamy after Trump shooting
-
2024 Home Run Derby: Time, how to watch, participants and more
-
Family of security guard shot and killed at Portland, Oregon, hospital sues facility for $35M
-
Rep. Jason Crow says unless there is a major change, there's a high risk that Democrats lose the election
-
When does EA Sports College Football 25 come out? Some will get to play on Monday.
-
Katy Perry defends new song 'Woman's World' as 'satire' amid terrible reviews