Paul Bellar and Joseph Morrison Hearing

Paul Bellar, 21, and Joseph Morrison, 26, are charged with plotting to storm and set fire to the state Capitol, or alternatively, to kidnap Michigan’s governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The pair, along with Morrison’s father-in-law, Peter Musico, 42, are part of a group that authorities allege plotted to ignite a ‘civil war.’ Some face federal charges.

Joseph Morrison’s defense attorney, George Lyons, said his client was an ex-Marine who had served his country and was simply exercising his freedom of speech.

The cases have focused attention on anti-government extremism in Michigan amid fallout from lockdown orders aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. Members of the alleged conspiracy voiced displeasure with the lockdown, some protested at the Capitol and discussed ‘taking out’ another state leader, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

Morrison is charged with one count each of threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony and/or $20,000 fine; one count each of gang membership, a 20-year felony that may be served as a consecutive sentence; one count each of providing material support for terrorist acts; and one count each of felony firearm, which carries a two-year mandatory prison sentence.

Bellar, 21, of Milford, was charged with providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and carrying or possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

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