Jurors have now heard what to expect as the trial of four men accused in a plot to kidnap Michigan's governor continues.
Opening statements took place in a Grand Rapids courtroom Wednesday. Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Brandon Caserta, and Daniel Harris are all charged with conspiracy to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The prosecution was set to begin presenting its case on Thursday.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the prosecution told jurors to expect testimony about alleged plans for the defendants to kidnap Whitmer, tie her up, and prepare a militia to fight a second civil war. FBI affidavits outlined a complex plan to force the governor to “stand trial” for treason. The men, militia members and self-described right-wing patriots, were reportedly upset over Whitmer issuing executive orders calling for mask mandates and lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Prosecutors said they also planned to present detailed evidence showing that the defendants had cased the Governor's Mansion in Lansing along with Whitmer's vacation home up north, and that militia training had taken place on property owned by one of the defendants, located not far from the governor's retreat.
The defence then took its turn with an opening statement, telling jurors that the case against the defendants is based on the word of overzealous FBI informants. It also said there was no evidence that any incendiary talk against Whitmer was anything more than just that, and that they were entrapped by FBI agents.
The trial is due to last about four to six weeks.
If convicted, the four men could spend the rest of their lives in prison. Two other defendants had earlier pleaded guilty and will testify for the prosecution.
