New terrorism charges in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer could bring life sentences
CHICAGO (WLS) -- They are seen on evidence videos training with combat-style rifles and charged with plotting to kidnap and possibly kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
But it wasn't just guns, according to federal investigators. Bombs were allegedly part of their grand scheme and now three of the accused Michigan militiamen arrested in the case are facing weapons of mass destruction charges in addition to kidnapping conspiracy. Federal prosecutors describe the plot as an act of "domestic terrorism."
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On Thursday Barry Croft Jr., 45, of Bear, Delaware, became the last of three defendants to enter a not guilty plea to the superseding indictment, newly filed in the Western District of Michigan. According to court documents, charged with Croft are Adam Fox, 40, of Wyoming, Michigan and Daniel Joseph Harris, 23, of Lake Orion, Michigan. All three men are accused of knowingly conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction, along with the kidnapping conspiracy originally leveled in October 2020. The new superseding indictment alleges Fox, Croft and Harris planned to use the explosive devices to destroy a bridge near Gov. Whitmer's family vacation home that would have taken out her security detail and any responding law enforcement officers.
The men, linked by authorities to a militia group known as the "Wolverine Watchmen," are looking at up to life in prison if convicted. Two other defendants remain charged with federal firearms violations.
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Even though there are no domestic terrorism statutes currently in the U.S., the description of the case in that term is a signal that federal prosecutors are planning to approach the case in that context.
Last December one key player in the case, Ty Garbin, entered a guilty plea to kidnap conspiracy charges and he also faces up to life in prison for that conviction.
In all, 14 men have been charged, including eight who face state charges in connection with the accused plot against the governor. Among those in state court are Brian Higgins, 51, from the Wisconsin Dells. Higgins was arraigned on Tuesday on a felony charge of supporting an act of terrorism that could yield 20-years behind bars. Authorities say Higgins provided night vision goggles to the militiamen, and a dash camera that was allegedly used to surveil the governor's lake house. A judge set bond for Higgins at $100,000.
