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3 accused of assisting Michigan governor kidnapping plot stand trial
Read full article: 3 accused of assisting Michigan governor kidnapping plot stand trialAn 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.
Juror falls asleep during Whitmer kidnap plot trial; Judge says attorneys should be more interesting
Read full article: Juror falls asleep during Whitmer kidnap plot trial; Judge says attorneys should be more interestingThe second man convicted in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was back on the witness stand on Friday.
Judge: No FBI entrapment for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot, case will move forward
Read full article: Judge: No FBI entrapment for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot, case will move forwardA 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
Read full article: Michigan judge to decide on trial for 3 in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plotA 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.
Guilty plea reveals more about alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Read full article: Guilty plea reveals more about alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerA guilty plea by a member of the Wolverine Watchmen group has revealed more about the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Still waiting on the free at-home COVID tests you ordered from the government? So are many others
Read full article: Still waiting on the free at-home COVID tests you ordered from the government? So are many othersMany people who ordered free at-home COVID tests from the federal government are seeing delivery delays
Local 4 News at 4 -- March 29, 2021
Read full article: Local 4 News at 4 -- March 29, 2021Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:New developments in alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen WhitmerThree members of the Wolverine Watchmen are accused of trying to help plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. There were new developments in the case on Monday during a court hearing.
Member of Wolverine Watchmen faces felony weapons charge
Read full article: Member of Wolverine Watchmen faces felony weapons chargeLANSING, Mich. – A known member of the Wolverine Watchmen and Clarkston resident was arraigned on two felony weapons charges Monday, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Maxwell Wyckoff, 22, was arraigned Monday in the 52nd District Court, Division 3, in Oakland County before Magistrate Marie Soma. “My office will not hesitate to pursue and prosecute any individual who would go to such lengths.”As a member of the Wolverine Watchmen, Wyckoff attended multiple field training exercises at a location in Munith, Michigan. The FBI and the Michigan State Police conducted an extensive investigation into the Wolverine Watchmen and their activities. As a result of this investigation and the information obtained, search warrants were authorized on the residences of multiple members of the Wolverine Watchmen, including Wyckoff.
Local 4 News at Noon -- March 4, 2021
Read full article: Local 4 News at Noon -- March 4, 2021DETROIT – Here’s 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
Read full article: Defense attorneys rebut FBI claims in alleged plot against Gov. WhitmerJACKSON, Mich. – 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. It’s 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
Read full article: How an informant brought down plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer“He just wanted to notify us about the Wolverine Watchmen and tell us that the group was a danger to law enforcement,” 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 FBI’s 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 FBI’s inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
Read full article: How a post office worker became FBI’s inside man into terrorism plot against Gov. WhitmerJACKSON, Mich. – 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
Read full article: 3 men charged in domestic terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer appear in courtJACKSON, Mich. – 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.
Michigan commission votes to ban open carry of guns from Capitol building
Read full article: Michigan commission votes to ban open carry of guns from Capitol building(Photo by Seth Herald/Getty Images)The Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted Monday to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately. “After months of delay the Michigan State Capitol Commission finally put their authority to use and voted in favor of banning the open-carry of firearms inside the State Capitol. Those with concealed weapon permits are still allowed to carry firearms (concealed) into the State Capitol. The Michigan State Capitol Commission must take the next step and ban ALL firearms inside the State Capitol.”Gov. Today’s actions are simply not enough to do that.”Read more: Should guns be allowed in Michigan Capitol building?
‘We consider him very dangerous’ -- Prosecutors plead to keep Whitmer plot suspects locked up
Read full article: ‘We consider him very dangerous’ -- Prosecutors plead to keep Whitmer plot suspects locked upLANSING, Mich. – 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 ‘training ground’ 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
Federal grand jury indicts 6 in terrorist plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer
Read full article: Federal grand jury indicts 6 in terrorist plot to kidnap Gov. WhitmerLANSING, Mich. – A federal grand jury indicted six men in the domestic terrorist plot to kidnap or kill Gov. The group had allegedly stated they wanted to make their move on Whitmer before the Nov. 3 Election Day. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should be extradited to Michigan, but he will be given a chance to appeal first, a judge ruled. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
6 indicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot; feds say 1 called for killing police officers
Read full article: 6 indicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot; feds say 1 called for killing police officersThe six men involved in the plot allegedly were part of a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen. We know the stories of their alleged planned exploits -- surveilling Michigan Gov. (WDIV)Five Michigan residents -- Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Caserta -- and Barry Croft, of Delaware, were charged with conspiring to kidnap Whitmer. Whitmer kidnapping plotHere’s a look at the full indictment filed Dec. 16, 2020:Extradition delayed for Wisconsin man charged in kidnap plotA Wisconsin man accused the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. In October, Higgins became the 14th person in connection with the alleged domestic terror plot targeting Whitmer.
Guns, maps, audio recordings -- New evidence in terrorist plot against Whitmer revealed
Read full article: Guns, maps, audio recordings -- New evidence in terrorist plot against Whitmer revealedLANSING, Mich. – Local 4 Defenders collected new, never-before-seen evidence against the 14 men accused of the terrorist plot to kidnap and possibly kill Gov. Video shows one Wolverine Watchmen member show off his weapons -- including suppressors or silencers, and a locker packed with firearms. Another member, Brandon Caserta of Canton, is seen showing off a 800,000-volt electroshock weapon that federal investigators said he wanted to use on Whitmer. The goal was allegedly to assemble 200 men to storm the Michigan Capitol Building and take hostages -- including Whitmer. The affidavit indicates that Croft not only wanted to go after Whitmer, but other governors across the country.
Televised executions, arson, new details revealed in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Read full article: Televised executions, arson, new details revealed in terrorist plot against Michigan Gov. WhitmerGretchen Whitmer also had two other plots to kill Michigan politicians involving public executions and mass murder in the ongoing case, according to newly discovered court filings in a Michigan district court. According to the recent filings, members of the group had a Plan B which was initially Plan A. The group would storm the capitol while the legislature was in session, lock the doors and burn the capitol to the ground. One associate had allegedly attempted to take “selfies” to document entrances and exits at the capitol at a recent rally. This week the Governors of both Michigan and Wisconsin have filed the paperwork to have him extradited to Michigan.
New warrants issued for Wisconsin man charged in plot to kidnap Michigan governor
Read full article: New warrants issued for Wisconsin man charged in plot to kidnap Michigan governorAn alleged co-conspirator of the foiled domestic terror plot appeared in a Wisconsin court on Wednesday. He is accused of providing material support to the “Wolverine Watchmen” in their effort to allegedly attempt to kidnap the Michigan governor. Brian Higgins, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, appeared in a hearing Wednesday via YouTube. District Attorney Brenda Yaskal says there is now a warrant for Higgins’ arrest in both Michigan and Wisconsin. Higgins allegedly traveled to Michigan to take part in the group’s surveillance of the governor’s home up north.
Bond reduced to 1% for man charged in terrorism plot against Gov. Whitmer
Read full article: Bond reduced to 1% for man charged in terrorism plot against Gov. WhitmerLANSING, Mich. – 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. “It 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
Read full article: Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against WhitmerLANSING, Mich. – 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.
Local 4 News at Noon -- Oct. 23, 2020
Read full article: Local 4 News at Noon -- Oct. 23, 2020DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Judge lowers bond for alleged leader of group in terrorist plot against WhitmerHis lawyer said Musico can’t be charged with terrorism for planning and training for a terrorist attack against the governor if they didn’t act on the plans.
3 men signed up, trained, plotted ways to kill Michigan Gov. Whitmer, according to FBI testimony
Read full article: 3 men signed up, trained, plotted ways to kill Michigan Gov. Whitmer, according to FBI testimonyGretchen Whitmer actually signed up, trained and plotted ways to shoot and kill her, according to FBI testimony. FBI agents said Garbin is a member of the Wolverine Watchmen domestic terror group who was recruited into the plot against Whitmer. His Hartland home was raided by FBI agents as part of the investigation, testimony revealed. Harris held a meeting at his home to confirm the identities of everyone involved in the larger kidnapping plot, FBI officials said. Harris was pushing forward to try to kill Whitmer, according to testimony.
FBI: Domestic terror group plotting against Gov. Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia governor
Read full article: FBI: Domestic terror group plotting against Gov. Whitmer also discussed kidnapping Virginia governorThe domestic terror group accused of plotting against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also discussed kidnapping the governor of Virginia, according to FBI testimony. Five Michigan men -- Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Daniel Harris, Kaleb Franks and Brandon Caserta -- appeared in court Tuesday after being charged with conspiracy to kidnap Whitmer. Three of the men charged in a domestic terror plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. They’re domestic terrorists’Officials said Ty Garbin, Daniel Harris, Kaleb Franks -- who were all charged with conspiracy to kidnap the governor -- were “all in” on actually killing Whitmer.
Gov. Whitmer: State will do ‘everything to keep people safe’ during election
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer: State will do ‘everything to keep people safe’ during electionWhitmer said she believes there could still be serious threats out there, but the state is prepared to keep voters safe on election day. I’m protected by the Michigan State Police and they are an incredibly professional organization,” Whitmer said. And I want to remind Michiganders that you can vote today. You can go into the clerk’s office and cast your vote today. “I’m not worried but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe,” Whitmer said.
2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US Military
Read full article: 2 men charged in terrorist plot against Whitmer served in US MilitaryLANSING, Mich. – 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 client’s behalf. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Daniel Harris from Lake Orion and Joseph Morrison of Munith, were Marines for years.
Michigan House Speaker questions response to alleged terrorist plot against governor, Capitol
Read full article: Michigan House Speaker questions response to alleged terrorist plot against governor, CapitolLANSING, Mich. – Controversy at the Michigan State Capitol continues after an already troubling week, amid the alleged domestic terrorism plot to kidnap the governor. RELATED: Letter criticizes Michigan governor for not warning legislature about domestic terror plotIt’s safe to say it has been a busy and scary week at the Michigan State’s Capitol building, especially after the FBI stopped alleged threats to kidnap the governor. Saturday, Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, spoke out about the threats, “I think the plot was evil, plotted by evil men and it needs to be condemned. Why weren’t we in the Legislature warned of the plot to take hostages at the Capitol? I am also alarmed the Lieutenant Governor recently blamed Michigan Republicans for the evil plans of these unstable men.
2 charged in Michigan plots served in US Marines
Read full article: 2 charged in Michigan plots served in US MarinesThis 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
Read full article: 2 charged in Michigan terrorist plots served in US MarinesGretchen 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 – The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed Saturday that two men charged in plots against Michigan’s 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 “unrelated to (his) current situation.”Morrison’s last assignment was with the 4th Marine Logistics Group in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? What is ‘boogaloo’?
Read full article: Who are the Wolverine Watchmen? What is ‘boogaloo’?LANSING – Many law enforcement agencies -- local and federal -- are investigating the group behind the terrorism plot to kidnap Gov. While they’re affiliate with the Michigan Militia, the Wolverine Watchmen is its own group with its own goals. The Wolverine Watchmen formed very recently. The boogaloo movement is a loosely organized far-right extremist movement with members advocating for a second Civil War. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the current boogaloo movement was first noticed by extremism researchers in 2019.
Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot: Here’s what we’ve learned as of Friday afternoon
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot: Here’s what we’ve learned as of Friday afternoonLocal 4 has learned more Friday about the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. That’s when the Wolverine Watchmen caught the FBI’s attention. In June, the men involved in the kidnapping conspiracy started meeting with members of the Wolverine Watchmen and recruiting others to their ranks. “They 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: Here’s what to know
Read full article: Foiled terror plot to kidnap Michigan governor: Here’s what to knowIf you’re looking to get caught up on Thursday’s announcement about a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, here’s 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.
13 charged in plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer -- Here’s what we know
Read full article: 13 charged in plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer -- Here’s what we knowLANSING, Mich. – 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.