Watch CBS News

Hutaree Trial Jury Views Video Of Bomb Tests

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Federal prosecutors have rested their case against seven members of a Michigan-based militia charged with plotting to wage war against the government.

A jury in Detroit saw pictures and video on Thursday of the impact of bombs ripping through a steel drum and cars.

The tests were conducted by agents with explosive parts linked to the Hutaree militia.  The defense had objected to the demonstration, but U.S. District Court Judge Victoria Roberts ruled the tests were similar to the explosives at the heart of the conspiracy case.

Prosecutors did not call Joshua Clough as a witness, the only defendant to plead guilty since arrests in 2010. He pleaded guilty to a gun charge in December.

The government says militia members wanted to kill a police officer then attack the funeral as part of a domestic war.

The defense says they simply were "weekend warriors" who engaged in stupid, hateful speech, but nothing criminal.

MORE: Defense: Emails Show Militia Wasn't Real Threat

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.