• The Attorney Generals Office brought the charges against the brothers in October.

MICHIGAN - Judge Michael Stepka of the 86th District Court decreased house arrest and curfew conditions for Wolverine Watchmen defendants Michael and William Null.

The brothers are facing charges for their involvement in the alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Thomas Siver, one of the lawyers representing the brothers, asked the judge to allow the defendants tethers to be removed.

“The Null brothers go to work every day, come back home every day. They work very labor intensive job and therefore are extremely tired individuals,” said Siver. “With the physical labor the Null brothers do to support their families the tethers have become a safety issue and do run the risk of being damaged, they work construction.”

Siver also provided the courts with letters of support from the brothers’ employers and noted that the brothers do not own any guns.

Gregory Townsend, from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office, argued that regardless of what Siver presented, the brothers are still a flight risk to the public.

“An aspect of setting bond is to ensure the defendant appearance, but also for the protection of the public and safety of the public,” said Townsend. “In this case, that would include the governor, the governor’s family, law enforcement personal.”

In the plot, the brothers allegedly participated in the surveillance of the governor’s residence over-night.

Judge Stepka allowed house arrest and curfew conditions to be lifted so the brothers could meet with their attorney for longer periods of time.

Lifting the conditions also allows the defendants to go to restaurants with their families. However, they still must not consume alcohol or have any contact with specific individuals including individuals involved in any Michigan militia groups.

"The severity of these crimes and the disregard the defendants display for our institutions of government, warrant close monitoring by the courts,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement following the hearing.

The Judge did not grant Siver’s request of removing the brothers tethers due to concerns over the governor’s safety.

Both Michael and William Null were charged with providing material support for terrorist acts and carrying or possessing a fire arm during the commission of a felony.