Thread by @julie_kelly2

And we're back to Whitmer trial after break so both sides can prepare for FBI entrapment defense.

Judge tells jury he hoped to put off entrapment issues until after DOJ rested but it's not possible to "segment" the argument. Defense, prosecutor will present new opening arguments

Whooo boy. Croft atty not holding back. "The FBI is supposed to protect us and protect our rights. They are not supposed punish people who say mean things about them. We expect the FBI to use responsible tactics."

Croft was criticizing FBI on Facebook in 2017, made him a target

Blanchard, Croft atty, now blasting CHS Steve as a longtime criminal who committed crimes in 9 states.

CHS Steve was "plying guys with drugs" at every event. "Out of their minds stoned." Violates FBI rules.

FBI ignored CHS Steve behavior. Also selectively record defendants.

FBI ignored CHS Steve "breaking the rules." (Defense asked last week for all records related to FBI admonishments to CHSs. Judge denied for now.)

Blanchard erroneously says Dublin, OH outside of Cleveland. It's outside Columbus.

When high, CHS Steve got everyone "whipped up."

Blanchard explains that FBI agents immediately decided this would be a "TEI" case, terrorism enterprise investigation. One agent told his boss (D'Antuono?) that he'd work it that way with or without his approval.

CHSs purchased hotel rooms for defendants before recon trip.

Gets in truck driven by CHS Dan and filled with other CHSs, FBI UCE

"At every step, FBI had good reason to close the case."

FBI should have closed CHS Steve as source when he smoked pot with targets.

"This was stoned crazy talk, not a plan."

Blanchard going thru Croft's outlandish remarks including talk of "barking" outside Whitmer's cottage.

Lol, they talked about flying her on a kite over the lake. "That's not how kites work."

I wish I could see the faces of the jurors.

"You can't prosecute someone for talking."

"We expect better from our government. You can tell the FBI it's not ok to prosecute people they are angry with or who run their mouth."

Gibbons (Fox atty) up again: "Adam Fox would protest" when CHS Dan came to vacuum shop to entice Fox into kidnapping plot.

CHS Dan paid $64k!

sometimes receiving "envelopes of cash" by the FBI.

Gibbons now detailing CHS Dan's involvement including comms with FBI handlers. (Those agents also will not testify for government nor will FBI special agent in charge. He was fired after assaulting his wife last summer.)

"It's the government moving all of it."

Atty Julia Kelly up, reiterating CHS Dan's contact with her client, Daniel Harris. CHS Dan calls handler in May 2020, says there is "no plan" btw defendants. But CHS Dan kept pushing Adam Fox to other defendants.

DOJ up.

AUSA explains entrapment is a legal standard not based on "feeling or ideas."

Calls first witness: FBI special agent Todd Ronick (sp)

He's worked on domestic terror cases since 2014 specifically militia movement.

AUSA asks how FBI decides to open cases. Mostly "tips," he says.

He says someone walked into FBI office with a tip about Wolverine Watchmen. Showing exhibits to identify defendants.

Now explaining CHSs: Could be someone who provides info to us, someone we recruit in an organization.

Someone could be in trouble and offer to help?

Yes.

Could someone do it for money?
Yes.
Now discussing "admonishments" given to CHSs.

I'll post this blistering 2019 report by IG Horowitz on FBIs lousy record of vetting, tracking informants:

oig.justice.gov/reports/2019/a…

CHSs "sometimes they have to pretend to be criminals."

UCE is an employee of the FBI, usually a special agent.

"They have to look different" if they're going to infiltrate a group. Sounds like they're prepping jury to see unconventional FBI UCEs "Mark" and "Red."

Confirms CHS Dan had access to group's encrypted chats--gave FBI access to those accounts.

Confirms FBI can get search warrants for info on social media accounts. (This happens repeatedly in J6 cases)

Now presenting evidence to jury off defendants' accounts. (Can't see it)

Now playing profane videos by Fox on Facebook, talking about boogaloo movement. "Get ready."

FBI says boogaloo wants to start second civil war. They wear Hawaiian shirts (!) apparently.

Now says their references to 1776 is somehow indicative of second civil war

Plays video of Fox saying 435 members of Congress don't "give a f*ck about us."

Where's the lie? Wonder how the jury will take that.

Shows photo of Fox wearing Hawaiian shirt at lockdown rally, someone screaming "F the government."

Lots of posts, chat related to lockdown anger

Ok back and forth between Fox and Croft with hot talk about taking down governors and tyrants bc of lockdowns.

Now talking about June 2020 meeting in Ohio organized by CHS Steve.

FBI agent says meeting was about "uniting the militias," says Fox then started recruiting members