Five men allegedly involved in the failed plot by the Wolverine Watchmen militia group and their associates to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were ordered to stand trial Wednesday.
Michael Null, William Null, Eric Molitor and Shawn Fix, all from Michigan, are charged with providing material support for acts of terrorism and a firearms offense. Brian Higgins of Wisconsin Dells, a Wisconsin resident, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts.
District Judge Michael Stepka ruled that evidence presented at a preliminary hearing warranted a trial in County Antrim, where Whitmer’s vacation home is located and prosecutors say the kidnapping was scheduled. Prosecutors say four of the defendants inspected the home and the surrounding area, and there was talk of blowing up a bridge to prevent police from responding.
MICHIGAN GOVERNOR WHITMER KIDNAPPING PLOT: 3 MEN SENTENCED FOR SUPPORTING ACT OF TERRORIST
Michael Null, Shawn Fix, William Null, Brian Higgins and Eric Molitor were ordered Wednesday to stand trial in connection with the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
(AP)
“They knew what they were doing,” Stepka said. “They were all involved in the plot to kidnap the governor.”
He pleaded not guilty on behalf of the five men. In a statement, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the ruling “sends a clear message that acts of domestic terrorism will not be tolerated.”
“Those who threaten our law enforcement officers and public officials endanger our entire state and must be held accountable,” he said.
The suspects were part of a plot targeting law enforcement, elected officials and Whitmer, prosecutors said. Authorities have described the participants as militants who were in favor of a violent rebellion against the government.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer addresses the press before signing into law a $76 billion state budget in July.
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., described as ringleaders, were found guilty of conspiracy in federal court on August 23. Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks pleaded guilty, while Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta were acquitted at their April trial.
A pretrial hearing for the five suspects is scheduled for December 19 at 8 a.m.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
