A Wisconsin man charged with plotting to kidnap Michigan s governor has dropped an appeal of his extradition and will be heading east to face charges soon.
Brian Higgins, 52, of Wisconsin Dells, is among more than a dozen men, most from Michigan, charged with conspiracy, supporting terrorism and other counts related to what the FBI calls a thwarted plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and take her to Wisconsin to be tried for treason. The group was upset with restrictions she ordered to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Another Wisconsin man, charged here federally last month with illegal possession of a sniper rifle, reportedly was also around the conspirators but was acting as an informant for the FBI.
Wisconsin judge won t block extradition of defendant in Whitmer plot
A Wisconsin judge on Tuesday declined to quash the extradition to Michigan of Brian Higgins, who is charged as part of the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
But Columbia County Circuit Judge Todd Hepler also stayed his order, so that Higgins won t be removed to Michigan while he pursues an appeal in higher Wisconsin courts.
With that appeal expected to last a year or more, prosecutors warned the judge s decision would delay their case and could result in Higgins prosecution being bifurcated from those of the other defendants charged in the alleged scheme.