Conviction Overturned in Whitmer Kidnapping Case

A Michigan judge just overturned the conviction of Joseph Morrison, the man convicted in the plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, ruling that kidnapping doesn’t qualify as a “violent felony” under state law — a key legal requirement for terrorism charges. The court said jury instructions wrongly framed the crime as violent, leading to Morrison’s conviction on terrorism and gang-related charges. His sentence and all related convictions were vacated, sending the case back for a new trial. The Attorney General called the ruling “nonsensical” and “irresponsible,” vowing to appeal, arguing kidnapping is inherently violent and that the decision weakens public safety. The case now hinges on how Michigan law defines violent felonies — and whether the state can hold such threats against public officials to the same standard. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/aad50c187f392de6