Michigan man acquitted in Whitmer kidnapping plot running for sheriff

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A man acquitted of having a supporting role in the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said he's running for county sheriff.

Eric Molitor filed papers to run against Wexford County Sheriff Trent Taylor in the Republican primary in August, The Detroit News reported Thursday.

He said he's running on a pledge to not enforce a new state law that can take guns away from people who are alleged to be a danger to themselves or others.

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"It’s going behind someone’s back to take their possessions," Molitor said.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting at the Hilton Midtown on September 19, 2023 in New York City. (John Nacion/WireImage)

Molitor and two other men were found not guilty of providing support for a terrorist act. They were accused of supporting leaders of the kidnap plot by participating in military-style drills and traveling to see Whitmer’s vacation home in 2020.

"This was a setup by the government," Molitor said, referring to the many informants and undercover FBI agents used in the investigation.

Nine men were convicted at trial or through guilty pleas, and five were acquitted.

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"Anybody can run for sheriff," Taylor said in response to Molitor's candidacy. "There are no set qualifications."