Officials charge 14th person linked to domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. – Officials have charged a 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is charged with material support of an act of terrorism, a 20-year felony.

Higgins is accused of being part of the plan to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home.

He is the eighth man to be charged by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. An additional six men were charged by federal authorities.

The previous seven men charged by Nessel -- Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null, William Null, Pete Musico and Joseph Morrison -- have been linked a domestic terror group called the Wolverine Watchmen. They’re facing a combined 19 charges, ranging from threat of terrorism to gang membership to firearm violations.

Six others -- Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta and Barry Croft -- have been charged federally with conspiracy to kidnap the governor.

The criminal complaint reveals dozens of meetings in which the men discussed kidnapping or killing Whitmer. They also surveilled her northern Michigan vacation home, experimented with homemade explosives and trained with firearms and tactical gear, according to court records.

Some of the men have already appeared in court, where the defense is trying to paint a picture of “crackpots” who were never going to follow through on their actions. Court proceedings are scheduled to continue Friday.

Previous coverage

• Original story: FBI uncovers plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds say
  • Friday update: Everything we knew about the case as of Friday (Oct. 9)
• Full plot timeline: Deep dive into the details of a scheme to kidnap Whitmer, hold her hostage
• Plot specifics:
  • FBI: Group plotting to kidnap Whitmer wanted to take her to Wisconsin for ‘trial’
  • Leader of plot inspected bridge for where to plant explosives, FBI says
• Whitmer responds: Here’s what Whitmer said about group of Michiganders' plot to kidnap her
• Mugshots: View the mugshots for all 13 people officially charged in the case
• “Milita” vs. Domestic terrorism: Whitmer says, ‘They’re not militias. They’re domestic terrorists’
• Boogaloo connection: Kidnapping suspects linked to ‘boogaloo’ anti-government movement
• From first day in court (Oct. 13):
  • FBI: Domestic terror group plotting against Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia governor
  • 3 men signed up, trained, plotted ways to kill Whitmer, according to FBI testimony
  • Domestic terror plot leader wanted to leave Whitmer on boat in middle of Lake Michigan, FBI says
  • How attorneys plan to defend men accused in kidnapping plot