President Donald Trump on Thursday night slammed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was targeted by militia members who were plotting to kidnap and kill her, according to federal authorities.
The FBI said earlier that they arrested and charged six men in the Western District of Michigan with conspiracy to kidnap the governor and other state officials.
The suspects are Michigan residents Adam Fox, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks, Daniel Harris, Brandon Caserta, and Delaware resident Barry Croft, all Trump supporters, federal law enforcement officials said.
Gov. Whitmer gave a state address on Thursday condemning the president for allowing that type of behavior to happen in the U.S. She explained that the coronavirus has exposed deep inequities in American society, but she called for national unity.
“Seeing the humanity in one another and doing our part to help our country get through this,” she encouraged people. “Instead our head of state has spent the past seven months denying science, ignoring his own health experts, stoking distrust, and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred. The president of the United States stood before the American people and refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two militia groups. ‘Stand back and stand by,’ he told them. ‘Stand back and stand by.’ Hate groups heard the president’s words as a rallying cry, as a call to action.”
In response, Trump attacked Whitmer, complaining that the governor didn’t thank him after “my Justice Department” announced the arrest of his followers and accusing her of doing a “terrible job” as governor.
Governor Whitmer of Michigan has done a terrible job. She locked down her state for everyone, except her husband’s boating activities. The Federal Government provided tremendous help to the Great People of Michigan. My Justice Department and Federal Law Enforcement announced…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
…today that they foiled a dangerous plot against the Governor of Michigan. Rather than say thank you, she calls me a White Supremacist—while Biden and Democrats refuse to condemn Antifa, Anarchists, Looters and Mobs that burn down Democrat run cities…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
…I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence. Defending ALL Americans, even those who oppose and attack me, is what I will always do as your President! Governor Whitmer—open up your state, open up your schools, and open up your churches!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
