Michael and William Null, cleared of involvement in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, are suing state and local officials for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations after their 2023 acquittal.
Michael and William Null, brothers from Michigan who were acquitted in 2023 of charges tied to the alleged plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have filed a federal lawsuit in the Western District of Michigan. The suit, submitted on September 16, 2026, names Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, several FBI agents, and other officials. The Nulls claim they were maliciously prosecuted and unlawfully arrested during the investigation. They argue that their civil rights were violated and that the prosecution cost them their right to possess firearms while the case was pending, even though a jury later found them not guilty. (WZZM 13)
The Nulls were the last of 14 people charged in the Whitmer case. According to Reuters, nine were convicted or took plea deals, while five-including the Null brothers-were acquitted. Their lawsuit follows a series of legal reversals, including recent decisions by the Michigan Court of Appeals to vacate or set aside convictions for other defendants like Pete Musico and Paul Bellar, who had been found guilty of providing material support for terrorism. These developments have fueled debate about the original investigation and the actions of state and federal authorities, including the Michigan State Police and the governor's office.
The brothers say the prosecution did more than pursue justice-it damaged their reputations, businesses, and personal lives. Their attorney, Stefanie Lambert, is seeking damages, attorney fees, and costs, arguing that officials acted "willfully, wantonly, and/or maliciously." The complaint also points to the use of paid informants, with at least one reportedly receiving over $50,000 to assist the investigation, according to Reuters and local news reports.
This lawsuit is one of several recent legal challenges to state actions in Michigan, as public scrutiny of prosecutors and law enforcement has grown. In places like Farmington and other Oakland County communities, there is increased interest in government transparency and accountability, especially as high-profile cases like this one play out. Residents can follow updates on local hearings and council actions through the Farmington City Council agenda portal.
The federal court will now decide whether the Null brothers' claims of malicious prosecution and civil rights violations hold up. The outcome could influence how future prosecutions are handled in Michigan, especially in cases that draw national attention. For the Nulls, the lawsuit is an attempt to clear their names and hold officials accountable for what they see as wrongful actions.
