In recent news, a jury reached the verdict to acquit three men, William Null, his twin brother Michael Null, and Eric Molitor, of charges connected to a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Described as an example of homegrown terrorism on the eve of the 2020 presidential election, these men were the last of 14 individuals to face charges in state and federal courts. The final tally of convictions reached nine, while five were cleared of all charges, according to CBS News.
The Null brothers and Molitor were accused of offering support to key instigators Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr, by participating in military-style drills and scouting Whitmer's vacation home in northern Michigan. Both Fox and Croft were convicted of a kidnapping conspiracy last year in a separate trial. The jury, for this final case, listened to 14 days of testimony in Antrim County, where Whitmer's lakeside property is located. ABC 7 Chicago reports that authorities discovered the plot at an anti-government extremist summit in Dublin, Ohio back in 2020.
William Null and Molitor testified in their defense, admitting to their involvement in gun drills and reconnaissance of Whitmer's property. However, they claimed to have separated from the group when discussions about acquiring explosives arose. William Null's brother Michael chose not to testify and maintained his innocence. Assistant Attorney General William Rollstin attempted to counter these claims, arguing that even partial help fulfilled the elements of the crime, per the CBS News report.
As the trial reached its conclusion and the jury announced 'not guilty' verdicts for all three men, shock and emotions filled the courtroom. For months, FBI informants and undercover agents were on the inside of the group, culminating in the multiple arrests made in October 2020. While Whitmer remained unharmed, the case drew national attention,
Following the original plot's revelation back in 2020, Whitmer placed blame on then-President Donald Trump, claiming his words provided comfort to those spreading fear and hatred. Trump, upon leaving office, went on to dismiss the kidnapping plan as a "fake deal" in 2022. As pointed out in an ABC 7 Chicago article, these claims highlight the ongoing tension between officials and the public's perception of the case.
