In a stunning turn of events, three men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have been acquitted. The verdict, delivered by the jury on Friday, cleared William Null, his twin brother Michael Null, and Eric Molitor of all charges related to the alleged kidnapping scheme. This case gained national attention as it was portrayed as an example of domestic terrorism leading up to the 2020 presidential election.
The Plot Uncovered
The plot to kidnap Governor Whitmer came at a time of heightened tension in the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor had implemented strict lockdown measures in Michigan, which many found to be overly restrictive. The FBI and state law enforcement uncovered the plot in early October 2020. According to officials, the group involved had plans to “instigate a civil war” by kidnapping Governor Whitmer from her vacation home and putting her on trial for alleged “treason.”
The suspects had also reportedly discussed recruiting 200 men to storm the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing to take hostages, including the governor. The case drew national attention, and the prosecution argued that the trio supported the leaders of the plan by participating in military-style drills and conducting surveillance on Whitmer’s vacation home in northern Michigan.
The Trial and Verdict
The three men were among 14 initially charged in connection with the plot. With this recent verdict, nine of the accused have been convicted, while five, including the Null brothers and Molitor, have been acquitted. The prosecution argued that the trio supported the leaders of the plan by participating in military-style drills and conducting surveillance on Whitmer’s vacation home in northern Michigan. However, the defense countered these claims, with William Null testifying that he and his brother distanced themselves from the group when discussions shifted towards acquiring explosives. Molitor described one of the key players, Adam Fox, as “incredibly dumb” and doubted his ability to execute a kidnapping.
“Not a lot to celebrate related to American jurisprudence these days–so soak this in. Verdicts announced in case of 3 men charged in Whitmer kidnapping hoax. God bless this jury.” – Julie Kelly 🇺🇸
The Investigation and Arrests
The FBI began its investigation after social media discussions among militia groups caught the agency’s attention. These discussions centered around violent actions against several state governments over their COVID-19 responses. Undercover agents and informants played a crucial role in gathering information on the group’s activities, including recorded conversations, undercover video footage, and text messages. In October 2020, more than a dozen people were arrested in connection with the plot. They faced a mix of state and federal charges ranging from providing material support for terrorist acts to conspiracy to kidnap. Many of the suspects were linked to a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen. The alleged plot was said to have been hatched during a regional summit of anti-government extremists in Dublin, Ohio, in the summer of 2020.
Political Fallout and Reaction
After the plot was uncovered, it drew widespread condemnation from politicians and public figures nationwide. Governor Whitmer pointed fingers at then-President Donald Trump, accusing him of providing “comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.” Trump, after leaving office, dismissed the kidnapping allegations as a “fake deal” in 2022. The trial and subsequent acquittal of the three men mark the end of a series of trials related to the alleged plot. The courtroom was filled with tension as the verdicts were read out, and the defendants displayed visible emotion upon hearing the decision.