(WWJ) More than a dozen people are facing terrorism and other charges in an alleged plot to overtaken Michigan's government and kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the plan, which was thwarted by the FBI, involved members and associates of Michigan-based militia groups, including "Wolverine Watchmen."
The suspects, who are now in custody, are alleged to have called on group members to identify the home addresses of law enforcement officers in order to target them; made threats of violence to instigate a civil war leading to societal collapse; and engaged in the planning and training for an operation to attack the state Capitol building and kidnap government officials, including Whitmer.
Six people who U.S. Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge called "violent extremists" were charged with federal felony charges as a result of the execution of warrants on Wednesday.
A document filed in federal court this week identifies them as Michigan residents Adam Fox, Brandon Caserta, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks and Daniel Harris, as well as Barry Croft of Delaware. Others are facing separate state charges, for 13 charged in total. See it HERE.
An FBI agent wrote in an affidavit that "several members talked about murdering 'tyrants' or 'taking' a sitting governor" and encouraged each other to talk to their neighbors and spread their message.
Fox allegedly said he "needed 200 men to storm the Capitol building in Lansing, Michigan, and take hostages, including the governor. Fox explained they would try the Governor of Michigan for 'treason,' and he said they would execute the plan before the November 2020 elections," according to federal officials.
The group conducted firearms and other drills, according to the FBI, and were in the process of buying explosives and tactical gear when they were arrested.
It's alleged the group staked out Whitmer's vacation home and tested an IED (improvised explosive device), with plans to blow a bridge to distract police.
The criminal complaint states: "Fox said their best opportunity to abduct Governor Whitmer would be when she was arriving at, or leaving, either her personal vacation home or the Governor’s official summer residence. Both residences are located in the Western District of Michigan.
Fox described it as a 'Snatch and grab, man. Grab the f—’ Governor. Just grab the bitch. Because at that point, we do that, dude -- it’s over.' FOX said that after kidnapping the Governor, the group would remove her to a secure location in Wisconsin for 'trial'."
Evidence in the case includes numerous text messages exchanged by the defendants, recordings and testimony from undercover agents.
Nessel said this conspiracy presented a "serious and credible threat to public safety."
“There has been a disturbing increase in anti-government rhetoric and the re-emergence of groups that embrace extremist ideologies,” Nessel said. “These groups often seek to recruit new members by seizing on a moment of civil unrest and using it to advance their agenda of self-reliance and armed resistance. This is more than just political disagreement or passionate advocacy, some of these groups’ mission is simply to create chaos and inflict harm upon others.”
Through the efforts of more than 200 state and federal law enforcement officials – including experts from outside of Michigan – officers executed a series of search warrants and arrest warrants in more than a dozen cities around the state, including, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights,Waterford, Canton, Belleville, Orion Township, Clarkston, Cadillac, Charlotte, Grand Rapids, Luther, Munith, Ovid and Portage.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, issued the following statement:
“A threat against our Governor is a threat against us all. We condemn the actions of the group of individuals that plotted against Governor Whitmer and state government. These people are not patriots. There is no honor in their actions. They are criminals and traitors, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. "
In total, 19 state felony charges were filed by the Attorney General against seven people known to be members or associates of the Wolverine Watchmen.
The following individuals were charged by Nessel as part of the joint law enforcement effort:
- Paul Bellar, 21, of Milford:
Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
Gang membership – a 20-year felony, which may be served as a consecutive sentence; and
Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Shawn Fix, 38, of Belleville:
Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Eric Molitor, 36, of Cadillac:
Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Michael Null, 38, of Plainwell:
Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- William Null, 38, of Shelbyville:
Providing material support for terrorist acts – a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; and
Carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
- Pete Musico, 42, and Joseph Morrison, 42, of Munith:
One count each of threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine;
One count each of gang membership, a 20-year felony that may be served as a consecutive sentence;
One count each of providing material support for terrorist acts; and
One count each for carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony; felony firearm – a two-year mandatory prison sentence to be served consecutively.
These charges are subject to change after a complete review of the evidence obtained through the warrants, and differ from those charges issued at the federal level, Nessel said.
Michael Null, William Null and Molitor were arraigned Thursday before Antrim County Magistrate Jessica Allmand. A cash bond of $250,000 was set for William and Michael Null, while Molitor’s bond was send at $250,000, 10% Their probable cause conferences are set for 1 p.m. Oct. 14, and their preliminary exams are scheduled for Oct. 21.
Musico and Morrison are expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Jackson County.
Fix is in custody, and his arraignment is pending in Antrim County.
State Police urge Michiganders to continue to report any threatening activity.
“Michigan law enforcement officers are united in our commitment to rooting out terrorism in any form and we will take swift action against anyone seeking to cause violence or harm in our state,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “Michigan residents can assist us in this mission by speaking up if you see suspicious activity or become aware of someone making threats. No tip is too small; don’t wait until it’s too late. Tips can be submitted confidentially 24/7 online at our website.”
- READ: Criminal Complaint filed in US District Court -
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