Michigan Attorney General Blames Gov. Whitmer Kidnap Trial Acquittals on 'Right-Leaning' Jurors
U.S. News & World Report DETROIT (AP) Michigan's attorney general suggested conservative politics played a role in the acquittal of three men in the final trial related to a plan to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Dana Nessel, also a Democrat, told a liberal group Monday the trial was held in a very right-leaning county.
She said Friday's verdicts were perplexing, confusing but terrifying." The Detroit News obtained a video of Nessel's remarks to a group called Protectors of Equality in Government.
It is uncommon for a prosecutor, or even a defense lawyer, to publicly question a jury's motivation. Unlike Nessel, the U.S. Justice Department did not blame two federal acquittals last year in the same investigation on ideology.
William Null, twin brother Michael Null and Eric Molitor were found not guilty of providing material support for a terrorist act and a weapon charge. They were the last of 14 men to face charges in state or federal court. Nine were convicted and a total of five were cleared.
