Man charged in Whitmer kidnap plot was 'soft,' kicked out of group, lawyer says [View all]

[marmar]

(Detroit Free Press) A group accused of planning to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer determined one member was “too damn soft” and kicked him out, his lawyer says.

Pete Musico's distaste for violence was among the arguments made Friday at a hearing to reduce his bond from $10 million. His lawyer, Kareem Johnson, said Musico's anti-government statements and armed presence at a recent protest at the state Capitol were protected under his Constitutional rights.

Ultimately, Jackson County District Court Judge Michael Klaeren agreed the original bond was "grossly excessive" and reduced it to $100,000. While conceding there are Constitutional arguments to be made, Klaeren noted the severity of statements Musico made about Whitmer and state legislators.

"I am concerned that Mr. Musico, whether he meant certain of the statements or not, clearly has great issue with the current government, if not potential disrespect," Klaeren said. "In that regard, that disrespect could very well carry over into orders of this court." ........(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/10/23/whitmer-kidnap-plot-wolverine-watchmen-bond-reduced/3733874001/