'Militia enthusiast' gets over 4 years in prison for attacking police with baton during Jan. 6 riot
A Michigan man described by prosecutors as a self-professed militia leader has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for attacking law enforcement with a stolen police baton during the riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Grand Rapids judge denied motion for new trial for 2 members involved in Whitmer kidnapping plot
Found guilty in August of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and trying to obtain a weapon of mass destruction, a federal judge in Grand Rapids has denied the motion for a new trial for Barry Croft and Adam Fox.
Accused of flirting, juror dismissed from Whitmer plot trial
A judge has dismissed a young woman from the jury hearing the trial of three men in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer after attorneys accused her of flirting with one of the defendants.
A flirt? Concerns about juror in case tied to Whitmer plot
Prosecutors are raising concerns about a female juror who apparently has been smiling at one of three men on trial in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
3 accused of assisting Michigan governor kidnapping plot stand trial
An FBI agent has testified that postings in online chatrooms by members of a paramilitary group connected to a 2020 anti-government plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer included instructions on how to make explosives.
Judge: No FBI entrapment for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot, case will move forward
A judge has ruled that three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were not entrapped by the FBI.
Michigan judge to decide on trial for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
A judge is scheduled to rule on whether three men charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer before the 2020 election were entrapped by the FBI.
Attorneys for 3 men charged in plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plan entrapment defense
Attorneys for the three men charged in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out how they plan to present their defense.
Judge dismisses terrorism threat charges in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot case
Three men the state said helped plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: Informant in plot against Whitmer indicted on weapons chargesThe men had been charged with making terroristic threats online and in secret conversations on encrypted apps. The state said that both men spent time and money to train so they could attempt to kidnap Gov. AdThe judge threw out the terroristic threats charge. The judge said the charges couldnโt stand because the men had made the threats in private.
Informant in plot against Whitmer indicted on weapons charges
A lot of the evidence in the trial was provided by key FBI informants. READ: How a post office worker became FBIโs inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. WhitmerAdThe FBI has named one of their key informants as Steven Robeson from Wisconsin. Attorneys for the men will argue the men were just talking about the plot and the FBIโs own informants helped train the men, allegedly pushing the plot forward. AdREAD: 19 details inside Whitmer kidnapping defendantโs guilty plea
FBI informant gives detailed account into domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
READ: Confidential informant testifies in hearing for 3 men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Dan said one of the men working with the group wanted to hogtie Whitmer up and put her on display. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? AdThere were also discussions of installing Wolverine Watchmen members as the new government. One of the men, a supposed leader of the Wolverine Watchmen, claimed he would be targeting Michiganโs Attorney General and Lt.
Confidential informant testifies in hearing for 3 men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. โ A confidential informant for the FBI is testifying in the case against three men charged in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. The informant testified that he was there for the planning of both the storming of Michiganโs Capitol and the plot to kidnap and kill Whitmer. READ: How an informant brought down plot against Michigan Gov. He said he was introduced to the Wolverine Watchmen through a suggested page recommendation on Facebook. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen?
Defense for Wolverine Watchmen argue violent rhetoric against Gov. Whitmer was satirical
JACKSON, Mich. โ Defense attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? Thursday was day two of the hearing for the three members of the Wolverine Watchmen. AdThe defense attorneys used a series of different arguments Thursday. READ: Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov.
Local 4 News at Noon -- March 4, 2021
DETROIT โ Hereโs what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. WhitmerDefense attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- claim things only became serious when the FBI informant became involved.
Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. Whitmer
JACKSON, Mich. โ Defense attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? Thursday was day two of the hearing for the three members of the Wolverine Watchmen. The defense also portrayed the violent rhetoric about Whitmer as satirical and that their activities only escalated after an FBI informant got involved. Itโs a similar defense to what was used by attorneys representing members of the Hutaree group in 2012.
How an informant brought down plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer
โHe just wanted to notify us about the Wolverine Watchmen and tell us that the group was a danger to law enforcement,โ the agent said. This information was revealed at the preliminary hearing for three of the 14 men accused in the kidnapping plot against Gov. READ: How a post office worker became FBIโs inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? READ: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov.
How a post office worker became FBIโs inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
JACKSON, Mich. โ New evidence in the domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. READ: 3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? RELATED: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. The man wanted out, but the FBI asked him to stay with the Wolverine Watchmen, wear a wire, record everything and risk his life.
3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer appear in court
JACKSON, Mich. โ Attorneys for Pete Musico, his son-in-law Joseph Morrison and Paul Bellar -- who are accused of being involved in a domestic terrorism plot to kidnap or kill Gov. The attorneys are questioning the description of the Wolverine Watchmen as a terrorist organization. READ: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? The FBI said they never heard of the Wolverine Watchmen until one of them created a Facebook Group. RELATED: A look at group texts between suspects in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov.
Militias in Michigan: A troubling presence dating back decades
The Michigan Militia was first brought to the spotlight after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. AdTimothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, the men who carried out the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, were said to have attended Michigan Militia meetings. Dr. JoEllen Vinyard, a retired EMU history professor, studied the Michigan Militia in the late 1990s and into the early 2000s. โThat was one of their major worries across all the different groups.โThe early meetings of the Michigan Militia were attended by McVeigh and Nichols. April 9, 2013: Hutaree members sue FBI, Michigan State PoliceAdArena said militia groups have always been a concern for the FBI.
โWe consider him very dangerousโ -- Prosecutors plead to keep Whitmer plot suspects locked up
LANSING, Mich. โ New developments were revealed in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap or kill Gov. Joseph Morrison is a marine and founding member of the Wolverine Watchmen. Morrison is facing state charges of supporting terrorism along with his father-in-law and founding member, Pete Musico. Read: Jackson County home was alleged โtraining groundโ in plot to kidnap WhitmerMorrison wants out of jail while his case continues in court. Related: Domestic terror plot leader wanted to leave Whitmer on boat in middle of Lake Michigan, FBI says
Prosecution against 8 men in Michigan domestic terror plot continues
JACKSON COUNTY, Mich. โ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nesselโs prosecution against the eight men facing domestic terrorism charges for an alleged plot to storm the Capitol building and kidnap elected officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, continued Friday with a bond hearing for two of the defendants in Jackson County 12th District Court. He remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Brian Higgins, 52, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is being extradited to Michigan from Columbia County, Wisconsin. Future court dates for Antrim County defendants can be tracked online at the courtโs website, while those for Jackson County defendants can also be tracked online.
Bond reduced to 1% for man charged in terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. โ Pete Musico -- one of the men charged in the domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Prosecutors claim Musico and Joseph Morrison are founding members of Wolverine Watchmen and allowed other suspects to train on their property in Jackson County. RELATED: View: Mugshots for all 14 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. โIt is not lawful to plot to kidnap the governor of the state of Michigan," said state attorney Greg Townsend. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.
Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against Whitmer
LANSING, Mich. โ The bond hearing for two men charged in connection with the domestic terrorist plot against Gov. WhitmerMusico, reported to be the head of the Wolverine Watchmen, had his bond hearing first. He also said that Musico was kicked out of the Wolverine Watchmen for being too soft. The office wanted a $10 million bond, but the judge sided with Musico and reduced the bond to $100,000. If he makes bond, Musico will be set free and monitored by a tether.
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US Military
LANSING, Mich. โ Local 4 has learned two of the men arrested in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer spent time in the military. READ: 2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US MarinesThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned. Parker Douglas, the attorney for Daniel Harris -- one of the 13 men accused of being apart of a terrorist plot to kidnap Whitmer who was charged with Domestic Terrorism, Conspiracy and Weapon Charges -- is addressing the claims on his clientโs behalf. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris from Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith, were Marines for years.
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US Military
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US MilitaryPublished: October 10, 2020, 11:13 pmThe U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris of Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith served for years. The Marines said Harris trained with rifles and Morrison served in the Marine Corps Reserve until Thursday, the day he was arraigned.
2 charged in Michigan plots served in US Marines
This photo provided by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office shows Joseph Morrison. Agents foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home. According to an FBI affidavit, Morrison is one of the founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen, which authorities described as an anti-government, anti-law enforcement militia group. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office via AP)
2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US Marines
Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home. (Jackson County Sheriffs Office via AP)DETROIT โ The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Saturday that two men charged in plots against Michiganโs government spent time in the military. Harris is one of six men charged federally with conspiring to kidnap Democratic Gov. Morrison was a lance corporal and served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2015 until Thursday, the day he was arraigned on state charges. The Marine Corps said his departure from the reserves is โunrelated to (his) current situation.โMorrisonโs last assignment was with the 4th Marine Logistics Group in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot: Hereโs what weโve learned as of Friday afternoon
Local 4 has learned more Friday about the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Thatโs when the Wolverine Watchmen caught the FBIโs attention. In June, the men involved in the kidnapping conspiracy started meeting with members of the Wolverine Watchmen and recruiting others to their ranks. โThey belong to a group, a militia group, called the Wolverine Watchmen. A house on Dunn Road in Munith that was raided Oct. 8, 2020, in connection with a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov.
Foiled terror plot to kidnap Michigan governor: Hereโs what to know
If youโre looking to get caught up on Thursdayโs announcement about a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, hereโs what to know. These are 10 of the 13 people who were charged after the FBI uncovered a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. BOTTOM (left to right): Pete Musico, Eric Molitor, William Null, Michael Null, Joseph Morrison.
A closer look at alleged โtraining groundโ in Jackson County in Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot
MUNITH, Mich. โ FBI agents raided a home in Jackson County early Thursday in connection with the kidnapping plot against Gov. Neighbor Pam Karschnock and many others had been fed up with all the shooting at the home in recent months. But Karschnock and others came to learn Thursday that there was more than guys just firing automatic weapons. Karschnock lives next door to the home on Dunn Road in Munith that was raided. In addition to the shooting, neighbors said they had seen several men in militia fatigues at the home on Dunn Road, as well as hearing more than gunshots.
Jackson County home was alleged โtraining groundโ in plot to kidnap Whitmer
MUNITH, Mich. โ Federal and state officials have charged 13 people after uncovering a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and overthrow the Michigan government, FBI agents said. Through confidential informants and undercover agents, the FBI gained access to audio recordings, ground messages and secret meetings as the group plotted for months, according to court records. In addition to a Wednesday night raid in Hartland, FBI agents also raided the home of two of the suspects in Jackson County. Authorities said the Munith home served as a training facility for members of the group now facing terrorism charges.
View: Mugshots for all 14 people charged after FBI uncovered plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and a felony firearm violation. Providing material support for terrorists acts, threat of terrorism and gang membership are each 20-year felonies. The felony firearm violations come with mandatory two-year prison sentences, to be served consecutively. You can view mugshots for Bellar, Musico, Morrison, Molitor, Fix and the Nulls below. Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov.
13 charged in plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer -- Hereโs what we know
LANSING, Mich. โ Thirteen people have been accused of participating in a scheme to kidnap Michigan Gov. READ: 13 charged in militia plan to kidnap Gov. Whitmer as hostage, overthrow Michigan government, feds sayClick the link above for a deep dive into the details of the scheme to kidnap Whitmer from her vacation home. The six men charged in federal court were arrested Wednesday night and face up to life in prison if convicted. READ: FBI: Group plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov.