Trial Set To Begin For Hutaree Militia
DETROIT (WWJ) - A jury is expected to be seated, Monday morning, with opening statements to follow in federal court in Detroit, as the Hutaree militia face terrorism charges. And the first and second amendments are expected to be put to the test during the trial.
Federal authorities say the seven members were plotting anarchy by bombing police officers, pledging to "take our nation back."
Authorities recovered machine guns, ammo and bomb components when they shut down the militia group two years ago. Legal experts differ as to whether this was just a bunch of tough-talking weekend warriors protected by the right to speech and bear arms, or if the government prevented an attack.
The prosecution's case hinges upon evidence from an undercover agent, an informant and testimony of a Hutaree member who earlier pleaded guilty to weapons charges.
The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks.
