Biography
Brandon Baxter was an activist associated with the Occupy Cleveland movement who was arrested on April 30, 2012 following a federal investigation into an alleged plot involving explosives at the Brecksville-Northfield High Level Bridge near Cleveland, Ohio. Federal prosecutors charged Baxter with conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and malicious attempt to destroy property used in interstate commerce. Authorities framed the case as part of post-Occupy counter-terrorism efforts. Supporters and civil liberties advocates argued that the case involved FBI entrapment, asserting that an undercover informant played a central role in encouraging and directing the actions leading to Baxter’s arrest. Baxter later pleaded guilty in federal court and received a lengthy prison sentence under federal law.
