Defendant testifies in Whitmer kidnap plot trial

Defense attorneys began making their case this week in the trial of three men accused of aiding in the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

One of the men, Eric Molitor, testified in his own defense.

He stands accused of providing material support for an act of terrorism alongside twin brothers William and Michael Null. Each men also face an additional weapon charge.

Molitor was asked about his ride to surveil Whitmer's cabin in Elk Rapids in August, 2020.

He went with plot ringleader Adam Fox and someone who would later be revealed as an undercover FBI informant.

Molitor told his attorney, Bill Barnett, that Fox and undercover "CHS Dan" told him they were scoping out a “high-profile vacation house."

He said he didn't know it was Whitmer's home until he was already in the car.

“I’m sitting there, no idea this is how this guy actually operates or thinks. They’re talking about doing some very serious stuff. I was scared, I was scared," Molitor said. "I just wanted to get home to my kids."

Fox asked Molitor to take a slow motion video as they passed by, which prosecutors argue is providing material support for an act of terrorism.

Molitor was cross-examined by Assistant Attorney General William Rollston on Friday.

"Didn’t you help Mr. Fox when you took the video?" Rollston said.

"Not with intent to help him, no," Molitor said.

"Didn’t you help him just by being there that day, part of his crew, armed with a gun?" Rollston said.

"You mean in the truck sir? The truck I got duped into?" Molitor said. "No I did not help him out that day.”

In four trials so far across state and federal court only one other defendant, Daniel Harris, has taken the witness stand. He was later acquitted.

The Null brother’s attorneys will also have an opportunity to call witnesses.

The trial continues Monday at 9 a.m., when it could be turned over to the jury.

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