Final Trial Results in Acquittal of 3 Individuals in Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot

Three men have been acquitted of all charges in connection to the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Eric Molitor, William Null, and Michael Null were cleared of one count of providing material support for a terrorist act and possessing a firearm when committing or attempting to commit a felony. Prosecutors had alleged that the men targeted Governor Whitmer’s vacation cottage and conducted surveillance of her home.

Molitor and the Null brothers, visibly emotional upon hearing the jury’s verdict in a Michigan courtroom, are the last of a group of 14 individuals prosecuted in state and federal courts in connection to the plot. Eight men were charged at the state level, while another six were indicted on federal charges in 2020. Ultimately, nine individuals were convicted or pleaded guilty in the case, and five were acquitted.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the government’s efforts in the case, stating that they “undoubtedly saved lives.” While the verdicts may not have been what was hoped for, Nessel emphasized that the successes achieved throughout these cases, in both state and federal courts, send a clear message that acts of domestic terrorism will not be tolerated in the state.

Authorities had alleged that the men charged in the case conspired with others in 2020 to unlawfully seize, kidnap, abduct, and hold Governor Whitmer for ransom. It was also alleged that they planned to blow up a bridge to delay law enforcement. However, they were arrested before carrying out their plans.

Defense attorneys in the case had argued at times that the defendants were entrapped by the FBI, claiming that the agency coerced them to drive the plot forward through the use of undercover agents and confidential informants.

Adam Fox, identified as the leader of the plot, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in December. He was described by authorities as the man behind the plan to kidnap Governor Whitmer.

This story has been updated with additional details and background information.

Source: CNN

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-15 15:42:00