Three Men Acquitted in Plot to Kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Antrim County, Michigan – The last three men standing trial for their alleged involvement in a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have been found not guilty on all counts. Eric Molitor and twin brothers William Null and Michael Null were among the 14 individuals charged in state and federal court for planning to kidnap the governor at her vacation home in Antrim County in 2020.
The charges were largely motivated by Governor Whitmer’s strict COVID-19 shutdown measures, which had garnered significant controversy and opposition. However, after a three-week trial and a day of deliberation, the Antrim County jury delivered a verdict of not guilty for the three defendants.
During the trial, prosecutor James Rossiter argued that the defendants were aiding the plot leaders in committing an act of terrorism. However, defense attorneys for Molitor and the Null brothers claimed that the state’s case was weak and accused the prosecutors of misleading the jurors with their presentation of evidence.
Prosecutors contended that the trio harbored strong animosity towards the government and played crucial roles in the kidnapping plan. The Null brothers were alleged to have provided the “muscle” for the operation, while Molitor was accused of recording video footage of Governor Whitmer’s property.
Molitor’s defense attorney, William Barnett, maintained that his client was unaware of the true nature of the plot until the last minute. William Null testified that he only discovered they were surveilling the governor’s cabin during a nighttime surveillance mission.
Molitor, on the other hand, claimed that he feared for his life while surveilling the cabin alongside plot leader Adam Fox. Molitor argued that he complied with Fox’s request to take a video and denied involvement in any violent acts.
The men were associated with the Wolverine Watchmen militia group, according to prosecutors. The arrests occurred in October 2020, after a member of the group became an FBI informant and reported discussions about harming law enforcement and public officials. Governor Whitmer emerged unharmed from the incident.
This trial marked the end of the legal process for the 14 individuals charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping plot. Nine members of the militia group have previously been convicted in state or federal court, while two were acquitted.
Governor Whitmer’s office released a statement following the verdict, expressing that the alleged plot was a result of “violent, divisive rhetoric” that is unfortunately common in the country. The statement emphasized the importance of accountability for heinous crimes and the prevention of further extremist actions.
As the trial concludes, the acquittal of the three defendants raises questions about the strength of the prosecution’s case and highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the alleged kidnapping plot.