The Michigan Court of Appeals has vacated the convictions of Joseph Matthew Morrison, who was found guilty of gang membership felonies, providing material support for terrorist acts, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The court's decision, issued on June 9, 2026, centers around issues with jury instructions and the legal definitions of the crimes involved.
This ruling affects Morrison, who was sentenced to 4 to 20 years in prison for the gang-related charges and 2 years for the firearm charge. The case highlights the legal complexities surrounding acts of terrorism and how they are defined under Michigan law.
Background
The case stems from Morrison's alleged involvement in a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which was uncovered in October 2020. Along with two co-defendants, Morrison was arrested after federal authorities charged Adam Fox and Barry Croft, Jr. with conspiracy to kidnap the Governor. Morrison was accused of supporting their plans through his activities with a group called the Wolverine Watchmen.
The Wolverine Watchmen, which Morrison founded, was described as a group of patriots aiming to network and assemble like-minded individuals. Evidence presented during the trial included Morrison's use of social media to recruit members and organize training sessions, which raised concerns about potential violence against law enforcement and government officials.
Following a lengthy trial, a jury convicted Morrison on all counts. However, he later argued that the evidence was insufficient to support the convictions, particularly claiming that kidnapping did not meet the legal definition of a violent felony under Michigan law.
The Ruling
The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Morrison, stating that kidnapping cannot be classified as a violent felony under the Michigan Antiterrorism Act. The court emphasized that the jury instructions allowed for a conviction based on an invalid premise.
The court ruled, "Because the 'use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force' is not an element of kidnapping, kidnapping is not a 'violent felony' falling within the definition of an 'act of terrorism.'"
The judges involved in the ruling were Mark T. Boonstra, Thomas C. Cameron, and Brock A. Swartzle. They found that the trial court's jury instructions erroneously included kidnapping as a basis for the terrorism-related charges, which tainted the jury's verdict.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for Morrison and the legal landscape surrounding terrorism-related offenses in Michigan. By vacating the convictions, the court has set a precedent regarding how kidnapping is treated under the state's antiterrorism laws. The decision clarifies that without the classification of kidnapping as a violent felony, the charges against Morrison cannot stand.
The ruling may also influence future cases involving similar charges, as it emphasizes the importance of accurate jury instructions and the legal definitions of crimes. This case highlights the necessity for courts to ensure that juries are correctly informed about the legal standards required for convictions in terrorism-related cases.