DETROIT — 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."
Assistant Attorney General Gregory Townsend, who is prosecuting the case, inquired about restricting Musico to his house, but Klaeren said it would make work difficult for Musico.
Musico put his head in his hands, his face reddened and apparently crying, at the announcement of the lower bond. He kept his fingers to his lips, face strained and occasionally nodded as the judge described how he'd be located and have his bond revoked if he did something "stupid."
Musico, in turn, gave a thumbs-up and shook his head as his lawyer read off the conditions of any release on bond. He delivered a gravelly "thank you," to the judge.
Johnson, during the hearing, said Musico was in touch with an alleged leader of the kidnap plot, Adam Fox, but the two had a disagreement last summer.
"He got kicked out because he was too damn soft," Johnson said of Musico.
But Townsend said the split sent Musico toward a "plan B" that involved targeting state legislators.
"It's obvious what his mindset was," Townsend said. "We consider him to be a very dangerous individual."
But Musico offered a nonviolent take in a conversation in October, Johnson said.
"He says to the effect, 'This is not something you can accomplish by picking up a rifle and shooting someone, you have to win the hearts and minds of the people,'" Johnson said.
Musico is a founding member of the Wolverine Watchmen, one of the groups involved in the plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer, according to court records laying out charges against those allegedly involved in the plot.
Six of the 14 allegedly involved in the kidnap plot are charged at the federal level with conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Musico and seven others have cases levied at the state level.
He is facing charges of threat of terrorism, gang membership, providing material support for a terrorist act, and carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Except for the weapons charge, each count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. The weapons charge is punishable by two years in prison upon conviction for a first offense.
Morrison, who appeared via video for the duration of the hearing, is due to address bond on Nov. 2.
