Judge orders tethers to remain in place for Michigan brothers charged in kidnapping plot

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Two brothers charged in the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer faced a judge with a request to have their tethers removed.

The motion was filed on behalf of Wolverine Watchmen members, William and Michael Null.

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Both are accused of surveilling the governor's cottage near Elk Rapids.

The brothers are facing terrorism and weapons charges following their arrests in October 2020.

According to Micheal's attorney, the brothers are not a flight risk.

The Attorney General's office, who argued against the motion, said the pair remains a threat to the public.

The judge ordered the tethers to remain in place but rescinded the provision that had kept the men on house arrest with a curfew in place.

“These men were allegedly part of a complex plot to kidnap and harm the governor. The severity of these crimes and the disregard the defendants display for our institutions of government, warrant close monitoring by the courts,” said AG Nessel.