Michigan Court of Appeals dismisses convictions in Whitmer kidnapping plot

A recent ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals has sparked controversy after it overturned several convictions against a man involved in a high-profile plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This decision has led to strong reactions from state officials who fear the implications it could have on public safety.

The court panel dismissed the felony kidnapping, terrorism, and firearms convictions against Joseph Morrison, a member of the Wolverine Watchmen militia group. Morrison had been sentenced to between four and 20 years in prison for his participation in the 2020 conspiracy.

Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the ruling, calling it “completely and irredeemably nonsensical, outrageous and irresponsible.” She further stated that it “sends a deeply dangerous message,” and confirmed her intention to appeal the decision.

Governor Whitmer’s office also expressed strong disapproval. In a statement, Chief of Staff JoAnne Huls said, “Today’s decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals doesn’t change the underlying facts: Joseph Morrison and other men supported an effort to kidnap and murder Governor Whitmer.” She emphasized that their release poses a threat to public safety and democracy.

The appellate court’s decision was based on what it deemed an error in the jury’s instructions at Morrison’s trial. The judges argued that describing kidnapping as a “violent felony” was incorrect following a legislative update to the law in 2006. According to the opinion authored by Judge Mark Boonstra, “The 2006 amendment of the kidnapping statute rendered essentially meaningless the inclusion of the kidnapping statute as part of the definition of ‘dangerous to human life.’”

This reinterpretation of the law led to the dismissal of Morrison’s other convictions, which were tied to the terrorism charge. The decision by Judges Thomas Cameron, Brock Swartzle, and Boonstra means the case will return to the Jackson County Circuit Court for a new trial.

Nessel plans to escalate the matter to the Michigan Supreme Court in hopes of reversing the appeals court’s ruling. She criticized the court’s logic, stating, “For the panel to declare that kidnapping is not a violent felony strains all legal credibility and insults the intelligence of every person in this State.”