Whitmer Links Trump’s Rhetoric To Plot by Militia Group To Kidnap Her

Federal law enforcement officials announced they foiled a plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan and start a civil war just weeks before the presidential election.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) says she could never imagine that militia groups would plot to kidnap her. She also said she believes the militia group members were encouraged by the country’s chief executive. 

On Thursday afternoon, Whitmer blasted President Donald Trump and accused him of “giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.”

“Just last week, the President of the United States stood before the American people and refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two Michigan militia groups,” Whitmer said.

She continued,”‘Stand back and stand by,’ he told them. ‘Stand back and stand by.’ Hate groups heard the President’s words not as a rebuke, but as a rallying cry. As a call to action. When our leaders speak, their words matter. They carry weight. When our leaders meet with, encourage, or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions, and they are complicit.”

“When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit,” she added.

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The FBI announced on Thursday that it had arrested six individuals for allegedly plotting to kidnap Whitmer and attack the state government buildings. The plot also involved militia groups from the state.

Whitmer’s comments about Trump refer to a moment from last week’s presidential debate when the president was asked to condemn far-right and white supremacist groups.