2 Charged In Whitmer Plot To Remain Tethered, Judge Rules

LANSING, MI — Two brothers accused in a plot to kidnap and potentially kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will remain tethered as part of the conditions of their bonds, authorities said Wednesday.

Michael and William Null, both 38, must remain with GPS tethers, Judge Michael Stepka of the 86th District Court in Grand Traverse County ruled Wednesday. Stepka ruled he would rescind the curfew and house arrest portion of the bond, according to the AG's office.

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

Michael Null, of Plainwell, is charged with providing material support for terrorist acts and carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. His brother, William Null of Shelbyville, faces the same charges.

According to affidavits, the brothers spied on the governor's vacation home while serving as lookouts during "surveillance operations" conducted by the Wolverine Watchmen.

Eight men charged in connection with Nessel's investigation into the Wolverine Watchmen.

That group includes men from across Michigan, including Shawn Fix of Belleville, Eric Molitor of Cadillac, Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico. An eighth man — Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin — also has been charged in the attorney general's case.

Several others have been charged in connection with a federal investigation into similar plots against Whitmer. Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta all face the possibility of life in prison if convicted of federal charges filed against them in 2020. Five of the accused are from Michigan, while Croft is from Delaware