by GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A surprising twist in the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer could result in the early release of the two men at the center of the conspiracy.
Ed Martin Jr., the newly appointed pardon attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, announced plans to reexamine the cases of Barry Croft and Adam Fox — both convicted in 2022 for their roles in the 2020 kidnapping scheme.
Croft, a Delaware trucker, and Fox, of Michigan, were arrested amid heightened political tensions during the 2020 presidential election. Prosecutors said the men led a militant group that planned to abduct Whitmer from her vacation home in a violent attempt to spark civil unrest.
Croft received a sentence of nearly 20 years in federal prison, while Fox was given a 16-year term. Their convictions were recently upheld by a federal appeals court, which described their actions as a “textbook conspiracy.”
Despite that ruling, Martin believes their cases deserve another look. Speaking on the Breanna Morello Show earlier this week, he stated, “On the pardon front, we can’t leave these guys behind.” He compared them to the individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, saying, “In my opinion, these are victims just like January 6th.”
Martin’s statement has drawn attention nationwide, including in states like Wyoming, where debates over federal authority, political extremism, and criminal justice reform remain deeply resonant. As a state known for its strong stance on civil liberties and limited government, Wyoming residents are closely watching developments in high-profile cases involving alleged government overreach.
Former President Donald Trump has already issued pardons for 1,500 individuals tied to the Capitol attack, and Martin’s comments hint that Croft and Fox could be next in line.
Whether or not the Department of Justice moves forward with pardons, this case is poised to reignite national discussions — from Michigan to Wyoming — about justice, politics, and the boundaries of protest in America.
