澳彩开奖

MONTGOMERY, Ala.听鈥�听Today, a jury acquitted Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta, two of the four hard-right militia extremists charged in the conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. The jury was deadlocked on the other two alleged ringleaders, Adam Fox and Barry Croft, resulting in a mistrial.

The federal jury heard weeks of testimony in the U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Mich. Two of the original six men who were charged had pled guilty before trial. The men were affiliated with, and members of, antigovernment militia groups including the 鈥淲olverine Watchmen鈥� and 鈥淭hree Percenter movement.鈥�

The following is a statement from听Susan Corke, Director of the 澳彩开奖鈥檚 Intelligence Project.听听听

鈥淚t is incredibly disappointing that justice was not served today. It is essential that when antigovernment militia groups attempt to upend our democratic process through violent means that they be held accountable for their acts.

鈥淲e applaud the听U.S.听Justice Department on their effort in this crucial case. Political violence is听never acceptable. Public officials must be able to serve without fear and every citizen deserves to be able to participate in our democracy,听and civic听discourse,听without听the threat of听intimidation or unnecessary barriers. Our government, community institutions and elected officials 鈥� no matter their political affiliation 鈥� must do more to prevent the mainstreaming of hate, political intimidation, and violent extremism.

鈥淥ur hearts are with Governor Whitmer and the Michigan community impacted by the intimidating planning and actions of these antigovernment militia activists. Actions of this kind are a direct attack on our democracy and are an assault against our basic rights for everyone to fully participate in public matters without fear of violence. This decision is a step backwards and it sends an incredibly alarming message that has the potential to reverberate throughout the U.S.鈥�

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Susan Corke