Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office released a statement after two men were acquitted on charges related to the alleged plot to kidnap her in 2020.
The jury found Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta not guilty on all charges, and were unable to reach a verdict in the charges against Adam Fox and Barry Croft, resulting in a mistrial. Fox and Croft can be tried again.
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The verdict was read in federal court in Grand Rapids on Friday afternoon. The jury started deliberations on Monday.
There were 10 charges in the case: one against Brandon Caserta, two against Adam Fox, three against Barry Croft Jr. and four against Daniel Harris. The men all faced the main charge of a kidnapping conspiracy; the other counts are related to explosives and a firearm.
JoAnne Huls, Chief of Staff to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, issued the following statement in response to today’s outcome:
“Today, Michiganders and Americans—especially our children—are living through the normalization of political violence. The plot to kidnap and kill a governor may seem like an anomaly. But we must be honest about what it really is: the 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 governor remains focused on her work on behalf of Michigan and all Michiganders. That includes addressing violence and threats to our democracy. We appreciate the prosecutors and law enforcement officers for their work on this case.”
More: 2 acquitted, mistrial declared for 2 others in Whitmer kidnap plot trial