(Source: MIRS.news, Published 10/30/2023) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's press secretary called for Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville) and Leader Matt Hall (R-Kalamazoo) to answer for proclamations "saluting" twin brothers whose "government – state and federal – betrayed" them when they were tried for assisting in the plot to kidnap Whitmer.
Stacey LaRouche, the governor's press secretary, called Smit's Friday proclamations "disturbing and extreme behavior."
She added: "Let's be clear: last week, Republican leadership awarded a tribute praising individuals that were charged with plotting to kidnap and kill the Governor. This goes beyond the pale. These types of actions normalize and incite violence against our political figures, and only serve to shake our faith in our values and our institutions.
"This tribute will further encourage and embolden radical extremists trying to sow discord and harm public officials or law enforcement," LaRouche said.
Smit's "special tribute" to William Null and Michael Null was presented Friday on the steps of the Allegan County courthouse. The document notes that the brothers "could have given up" when the government "sent members of its secret police forces to concoct a plot to 'kidnap' Gretchen Whitmer, and to persecute innocent men in this government-orchestrated conspiracy, for the purpose of political theater and political gain."
Smit presented the tributes "on behalf of the state of Michigan and our office as your representative in the 43rd District," and she called the charges and subsequent judicial proceedings "a scandal."
Smit did not return MIRS' message seeking comment Monday, but she was quoted by other media outlets as saying she came out on behalf of her constituents to "support them in their efforts and grateful that … the charges are dismissed and they are found innocent."
A not guilty verdict by a jury, however, doesn't equate to innocence. It means, in legal terms, the Attorney General's office failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Null brothers were among 14 men charged in state and federal courts in a plot to kidnap Whitmer in 2020.
In addition to the Null brothers, three other men were acquitted while nine, including the ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., were convicted and sentenced to prison.
During the trials in federal court as well as Antrim and Jackson counties, the prosecution argued that the group participated in military-style drills aimed at kidnapping the Governor and or surveilling her vacation home.
William Null, of Shelbyville, testified that he had no idea of the plan to kidnap the Governor and when he realized that was Fox's plan, he should have called the police, but he did not.
Tom Siver, who represented Michael Null, whom he said was innocent, praised Smit's actions, posting a thank you to "our families, friends, all of the countless people who supported our clients and our efforts" as well as Smit "for the outstanding honor and supporting our judicial system, justice, and freedom!!"
