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One of five in Antrim County pleads guilty in plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

WCMU | By Tyler Thompson
Published March 16, 2023 at 11:23 AM EDT
Wisconsin man Brian Higgins, 54, was among several men charged as a result of a joint operation by state and federal authorities in early October 2020.
Wisconsin man Brian Higgins, 54, was among several men charged as a result of a joint operation by state and federal authorities in early October 2020.

One of the five defendants involved in a plot to kidnap governor Gretchen Whitmer in Antrim County has changed his plea to guilty.

54-year-old Brian Higgins could face up to five years in prison for one count of attempting to provide material support for terrorism. Higgins' charges were reduced; he was initially facing up to 20 years.

In exchange, he will testify against the remaining defendants. Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Michael Null and William Null are still facing charges for their involvement in the plot.

Prosecutors said Higgins was accused of organizing surveillance of Whitmer’s home in Elk Rapids where he provided a car, a dash-cam and a night vision scope.

His sentencing date has not been determined.
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Local/Regional News Governor Kidnapping PlotAntrim County
Tyler Thompson
Tyler Thompson joined Interlochen Public Radio in the fall of 2022, bringing over four years of experience between WKSU and WOSU Public Media in his home state of Ohio, and KDLG Public Radio in Dillingham, Alaska.Tyler Thompson joined Interlochen Public Radio in the fall of 2022, bringing over four years of experience between WKSU and WOSU Public Media in his home state of Ohio, and KDLG Public Radio in Dillingham, Alaska.

Thompson has worn many hats as a reporter, host, producer and membership drive coordinator. Before he got into journalism, he pursued a career as a firefighter and medic.

He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Kent State University and an associate's degree in Firefighter Protection Technology from the University of Akron.

Have a news tip? Send it to tyler.thompson@interlochen.org.
See stories by Tyler Thompson