There is one more defendant accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer who is awaiting a decision on bond today. That is Brandon Caserta, 32, of Canton Township

Caserta is dangerous, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler says. He reads a message Caserta sent regarding a separate threat.

“The end times are approaching for these piece of s--- cops and I mean that with every cell in my body,” Caserta wrote.

Now the feds are playing a recording of Caserta complaining about being “robbed and enslaved by the state.” This is from Oct. 7, the day of his arrest.

“I’m taking out as many of those mother f------ as I can,” Caserta says. “Every single one of those...government thugs.”

Caserta is angry and had mental health issues, the prosecutor says.

It's hard to believe Caserta will follow bond conditions since he is so hostile toward the government, the AUSA says.

Caserta’s criminal record is irrelevant, including an old assault and battery, lawyer Michael Darragh Hills says. He has a stable life and supportive family.

“I don’t think he has any mental health issues,” Hills says

Regarding comments about killing “government thugs,” Caserta’s lawyer said there was no follow-thru even though Caserta had time to kill.

“He did none of that,” the lawyer said, calling Caserta's comments inflammatory rhetoric.

Caserta was not part of the planning central to the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and didn't contribute cash to buy explosives, his lawyer says.

Caserta is not dangerous, he adds.

Caserta is not appear to be a leader of the alleged plot to kidnap the governor, the feds agree.

“Sometimes followers can be the most dangerous,” AUSA Kessler says. “What we’ve seen of his attitude towards the state and law enforcement, it seems pretty sincere.”

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Berens is going through allegations involving Caserta in an FBI affidavit. Follow along here https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7225207-Brandon-Caserta-affidavit.html

The magistrate judge, in building toward a bond decision, notes allegations that Caserta threatened to manifest fear through bullets

First time I’ve heard a federal magistrate judge use profanity.

She just recounted Caserta’s profane threats to kill law enforcement officers and calls the words “really very chilling.”

Alert: Brandon Caserta will be held without bond pending trial on allegations he plotted to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The magistrate judge says peace out. We're done.

Detention hearings will resume Friday in Grand Rapids for two remaining defendants charged with plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Thanks for following along today.