Two acquitted, two freed in Michigan governor kidnap plot
The governor's chief of staff commented by saying that Americans are "living through the normalization of political violence."
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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in October 2020 (AP)
A jury has acquitted two men of all counts in a conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer but couldn't reach convictions on the two accused leaders, a shocking loss for the government after a weekslong trial based on an extraordinary FBI sting operation shortly before the 2020 election.
Whitmer's chief of staff commented by saying that Americans are "living through the normalization of political violence."
The verdict was revealed on the fifth day of proceedings, just hours after the jury stated that it was difficult to reach an agreement on counts in the 10-count indictment. The judge instructed the panel to continue working, but jurors returned after lunch to announce they were still tied on certain counts.
The suspects, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta, were found not guilty of conspiracy, while Harris was also acquitted of explosives and gun charges.
Verdicts could not be reached regarding Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr, however, they will remain in custody.
US Attorney Andrew Birge expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying, "We have two defendants that are awaiting trial and we'll get back to work on that."
The arrests in Michigan occurred during a period of turmoil in the US in 2020. The year saw pandemic lockdowns and armed Capitol riots against Whitmer and other governors for Covid limitations. Countrywide protests also erupted after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
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During the 13-day-trial, multiple pieces of evidence were assessed, including secret conversations, violent posts on social media platforms, and chat messages.
Ty Garbin, who pled guilty and is serving a six-year jail sentence, claimed the objective was to capture Whitmer and create enough disruption to spark a civil war before the election, preventing Joe Biden from becoming president.
According to trial evidence, Garbin and Kaleb Franks, who both pled guilty and testified for the government, were among six people detained in October 2020 amid talk of gathering $4,000 for an explosive to blow up a bridge and block any police reaction to the abduction of the Governor.
The group was according to prosecutors, involved in anti-government extremism and evidence indicated a practice "shoot house" in order to practice entering and exiting the governor's vacation property.
However, defense attorneys depicted the guys as gullible weekend warriors, frequently stoned on marijuana and prone to loud, wild talk. They said the guys were duped and cajoled into attacking the governor by FBI agents and informants.
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist called the outcome "disappointing", and Whitmer's office released a statement by the chief of staff saying the plot to kidnap and kill a governor is a "result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country."
“There must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. Without accountability, extremists will be emboldened.”
The Democratic Whitmer was not present at the trial and has blamed former President Donald Trump for refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in her case.
