Wisconsin man who is among 14 charged with plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer is released on just $10,000 bail
Brian Higgins, 51, was released on $10,000 bail Monday night in Wisconsin
A man charged in a plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been released from jail after posting a $10,000 cash bail.
Brian Higgins, 51, was released on Monday night in Wisconsin after Judge Todd Hepler rejected the Columbia County district attorney's request for a $1 million bail and set the lower amount, WISC-TV reported.
Authorities allege Higgins, of Wisconsin Dells, was part of a crew conducting surveillance for the kidnapping plot.
He was arrested on Thursday and charged on suspicion of material support in an act of terrorism, making him the 14th person charged on state or federal charges in the plot.
Higgins is one of 14 men charged in an alleged plot to kidnap Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Higgins in what authorities have described as a foiled scheme to storm Michigan's state Capitol building and kidnap officials, including Whitmer.
Seven men purportedly linked to an extremist paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen also have been charged in Michigan state court with providing material support for terrorist acts and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
Federal charges were filed against six others in the alleged conspiracy to kidnap Whitmer.
All other defendants based in Michigan remain jailed, according to Nessel's office.
'We are definitely disappointed in the decision regarding Brian Higgins,' said Nessel's spokeswoman Kelly Rossman-McKinney. '
Six men face federal charges of conspiracy to kidnap. Left to right: Adam Dean Fox, Kaleb Franks and Brandon Caserta
These men also face federal conspiracy to kidnap charges in the Gov. Whitmer case. L to R: Daniel Harris, Ty Garbin and Barry Croft
We strongly support the decisions here in our own state which, to date, have kept all the Michigan defendants in jail since they were originally arrested.'
Higgins appeared via video Monday in Columbia County court.
Higgins stands 'alone and apart' from the others who were arrested in the plot, according to a statement from the office of attorney Christopher Van Wagner.
'Even the state's notably sparse factual assertions against Higgins show that he was not part of any militia or anti-government movement, and was in Michigan but once, unlike the other accused men, whose activities were tracked for months by the FBI,' the statement read.
Higgins is due back in Columbia County court on November 18. He has been ordered to surrender his passport and not to leave Wisconsin. He also can´t have any contact with others charged in the case.