(LANSING) – A statement has been issued in response to the outcome in the trial of the men accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

JoAnne Huls, Whitmer's Chief of Staff issued the statement. It states that Michiganders and Americans, especially our children, are living through the normalization of political violence. The plot to kidnap and kill a Governor may seem like an anomaly. But we must be honest about what it really is: the result of violent, divisive rhetoric that is all too common across our country.

The statement says there must be accountability and consequences for those who commit heinous crimes. Without accountability, extremists will be
emboldened.

The statement goes on to says that Whitmer remains focused on her work on behalf of Michigan and all Michiganders. That includes addressing violence and threats to our democracy. The statement says Whitmer and her staff appreciate the prosecutors and law enforcement officers for their work on this case.

On Friday, after nearly five days of deliberations, a federal jury in Grand Rapids acquitted Brandon Caserta and Daniel Harris in their part of the plot to kidnap Whitmer.

The jury failed to reach unanimous verdicts against the accused ringleaders Adam Fox and Barry Croft, thus mistrials were declared for those two. New trials for these men will be set for a later date.

Kaleb Franks and Ty Garbin were not on trial, but they also faced federal charges in the alleged kidnapping conspiracy. Both men took guilty pleas and testified in court against Croft, Harris, Caserta, and Fox.

Garbin has already been sentenced to prison. Franks is awaiting sentencing.
State charges also have been filed against eight people in connection with the investigation. Three are awaiting trial in Jackson County while the other five are waiting for their preliminary examination in Antrim County.