From Acquittal to Aspiration: Former Gretchen Whitmer Kidnapping Plot Suspect Eyes Sheriff Role

A man who was cleared of charges last year in connection to a 2020 plan to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is now aiming to defeat the current county sheriff.

Eric Molitor has officially entered the race in the Republican primary this August to challenge Trent Taylor, who is the sheriff of Wexford County in Northern Michigan. Molitor's main focus, as he shared with CNN, is to minimize government interference in our daily lives.

The 40-year-old from Cadillac, Michigan, is a self-described "big political activist." He was originally thinking about running for township supervisor, but after a conversation with Taylor last month, he decided to enter the race for sheriff instead.

After talking with Taylor, he was impressed by how Taylor handled the tough questions they asked. He walked away from the conversation with nothing but respect for Taylor's quick and thoughtful responses.

Molitor mentioned that Taylor assured them of his commitment to upholding the state's recently implemented "red flag" gun safety law, which Molitor finds to be unconstitutional.

This law was endorsed by Whitmer, a Democrat, last year. It aims to simplify the process for law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others. The law was part of a set of gun safety measures approved by the Michigan governor following a series of tragic mass shootings, including one at Michigan State University in February 2023, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs legislation on Monday, May 22, 2023, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs legislation on Monday, May 22, 2023, in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Carlos Osorio/AP

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Michigan Governor Whitmer has signed ‘red flag’ gun laws. Taylor, speaking to CNN, stated that he feels a duty to uphold the state’s laws and considers it irresponsible not to do so, especially as Molitor has indicated he would.

"He has every right to run," Taylor, who is running for a third four-year term, expressed about his opponent. "I trust that the people of Wexford County will see the good work I have done, alongside my team, and choose to vote for me in the upcoming August primary."

In September, Molitor was acquitted by a jury of one count of providing material support for a terrorist act and of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

State prosecutors claimed that Molitor and his associates targeted Governor Whitmer's vacation cottage in Northern Michigan and monitored her home.

Molitor and his two co-defendants, who were acquitted in the recent trial, were the final individuals out of a group of 14 who faced prosecution in both state and federal courts for their involvement in the kidnapping scheme. In the end, nine individuals were either convicted or pleaded guilty, while five were acquitted.

Molitor shared with CNN that going through his experience made him realize the shortcomings in the justice system. He admitted, “I didn't understand how the system functioned until I experienced it firsthand. It was chaotic.”

Molitor believes that individuals who have been mistreated by the system, including those who were cleared of charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, should take action to bring about reform. He sees it as a duty for them to step up and make a difference.

He emphasized that apathy has led to the current state of affairs and that it is crucial for people to be proactive in creating the change they desire. Molitor expressed that it is unfair to expect others to take the initiative when those who have been directly impacted by the issues are in the best position to drive reform.

Molitor mentioned that his experience has changed some of his views. He clarified that he is not entirely against the government or law enforcement but sees himself as a mediator between the people and those in power.

In Michigan, candidates running for sheriff must reside in and be qualified to vote in the county where they are running for a four-year term.

The Michigan House approved a bill in late 2021 that mandates new candidates for county sheriff to hold a license as a law enforcement officer or be a certified corrections officer with a minimum of five years of experience. The bill is currently being reviewed by a committee in the state Senate, with both chambers being controlled by Democrats.

The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is supporting this bill. Dan Pfannes, the deputy director of the organization, expressed disappointment that it had not been signed into law before the candidate filing deadlines for the 2024 races last month.

He mentioned that they wanted to implement those qualifications sooner rather than later. He believes that the legislation is progressing well towards being passed. Pfannes emphasized that the sheriffs’ association sees the bill as a way to improve their profession.

The organization declined to comment on Molitor's candidacy due to company policy. Molitor's background does not include law enforcement experience, as he previously served as a subcontractor in the security industry.

Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media outside the courtroom during his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 30, 2024 in New York City.

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The Michigan Democratic Party recently commented on Molitor's candidacy, referring to him as a "MAGA Republican" in connection to former President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. Trump has not endorsed any candidate in the primary race.

In a statement, the Michigan Democratic Party criticized Michigan Republicans for supporting extreme candidates, including Molitor. They highlighted Michele Lundgren, one of the individuals involved in the 2020 election subversion plot in Michigan, who is now running in a Republican primary for a state House seat.

Molitor, who is currently a Republican, mentioned that he used to lean towards a "liberal independent" ideology in the past. In the 2018 elections, he voted for Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, both Democrats, because he saw them as strong women and was curious about what they could achieve.

He now supports the Republican Party because he thinks conservatives prioritize protecting all rights, particularly free speech.

Molitor endorsed Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, and plans to support the expected Republican candidate in November.

CNN’s Lauren del Valle, Veronica Stracqualursi, Josh Campbell and Michelle Watson contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the upcoming sheriff's race in Wexford County, Michigan, where Eric Molitor, an individual acquitted of charges related to a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is challenging incumbent Sheriff Trent Taylor. Molitor's focus is on minimizing government interference, particularly opposing the state's recently implemented "red flag" gun safety law, which Taylor supports. Molitor's candidacy has sparked discussion about the need for reform in the justice system and the influence of extremist ideologies in politics.

The article also touches on the broader issue of political polarization in Michigan, citing the Michigan Democratic Party's criticism of Republicans for supporting "extreme candidates" like Molitor. Molitor's own political journey, from "liberal independent" to Republican, reflects the shifting political landscape and the influence of former President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan. The article highlights the importance of civic engagement and the role individuals can play in shaping the political discourse and driving change.