3 Men Accused In Plot To Kidnap Michigan Governor To Stand Trial

JACKSON, MI — Three men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had some of their charges tossed Monday in 12th District Court in Jackson but will stand trial on several other charges.

Paul Bellar, Joseph Morrison and Pete Musico appeared before Jackson County District Court Judge Michael Klaeren Monday morning for a preliminary examination hearing and saw the judge dismiss threat of terrorism charges.

Klaeren ruled the trio will stand trial for several other charges, including gang membership, providing material support for terrorist acts and felony firearms.

“We must send a clear message that those who seek to do violence against our institutions of democracy and our elected representatives are not patriots, they are criminals,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “My office is pleased to see this case move forward and to have the opportunity to hold these men accountable for their actions.”

Related: Michigan Militia Members Accused In Plot To Kidnap, Kill Whitmer

Bellar was initially charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

He was appointed the role of "sergeant," had specific expertise in medical and firearms training and designed tactical exercises for training, according to an affidavit. Bellar provided plans for tactical maneuvers at trainings, coded language for covert communication, hosted meetings at his residence, provided ammunition and coordinated logistics for trainings, according to an affidavit.

Musico and Morrison faced similar charges. They are founding members of the Wolverine Watchmen, according to an affidavit. Morrison is considered Wolverine Watchmen's "Commander" and is known by the online moniker "Boogaloo Bunyan," according to documents.
Many of the group's tactical exercises were held at Morrison and Musico's Jackson County home, according to an affidavit. During these trainings, specific training was provided for members to learn and practice tactical maneuvers, officials alleged.

Related: Here's What We Know About The Men Accused In Plot Against Whitmer

Bellar, Morrison and Musico are among eight men charged in connection with a Michigan Attorney General investigation into a group called the Wolverine Watchmen, which the state has accused of plotting to kidnap and potentially kill Whitmer.

That group includes men from across Michigan, including Shawn Fix of Belleville, Eric Molitor of Cadillac, Michael Null of Plainwell and William Null of Shelbyville. 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