Wisconsin man extradited, arraigned in Wolverine Watchmen case

Suspect charged for alleged participation in domestic terrorism plot that included storming Michigan Capitol

Brian Higgins was charged after the FBI uncovered a domestic terror plot targeting Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (WDIV)

LANSING, Mich. – The Wisconsin man charged for his alleged participation in a domestic terrorism plot that included storming the Michigan Capitol and kidnapping elected officials has been arraigned, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Tuesday.

Brian Higgins, 51, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, was arraigned from the Antrim County Jail Tuesday afternoon before Magistrate Norene Kastys.

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He’s charged with providing material support of an act of terrorism, a 20-year felony.

Higgins was extradited from Wisconsin after withdrawing his extradition appeal.

It is alleged that Higgins provided assistance in the plan to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from her vacation home.

He’s one of eight men to face state charges in the alleged plot. Higgins’ bond was set at $100,000, 10 percent.

His bond conditions include the following: will be placed on GPS tether prior to release; must be seen by pre-trial services prior to release; no contact with Whitmer or her family; must stay at least 500 yards away from the workplace and all residences of the governor and her family; must not be in possession of any weapons; must not have any contact with militia or militia members and must surrender his passport to the court.

“My office is pleased to see Mr. Higgins arraigned in Michigan,” Nessel said. “Our focus remains on holding those who seek to do violence against elected officials—and therefore undermine our democracy—accountable.”

A probable cause conference is set to begin at 1 p.m. on May 12.

Higgins will be required to return to Michigan for an in-person preliminary exam. The preliminary exam date was not set at the arraignment.

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