(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is thanking state and federal law enforcement for foiling an alleged violent plot against her — while placing some blame on President Donald Trump.
A total of 13 people, all members or associates of militia groups in Michigan, have been arrested in the case, announced by the state Attorney General, U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI on Thursday.
They "were preparing to kidnap and possibly kill me," Whitmer said, reacting to the news at a press conference.
"When I put my hand on the Bible and took the oath of office 22 months ago, I knew this job would be hard, but I'll be honest — I never could have imagined anything like this."
It's alleged some of the defendants staked out Whitmer's vacation home.
In a criminal complaint an FBI agent states one of the men charged, Adam Fox, said "their best opportunity to abduct Governor Whitmer would be when she was arriving at, or leaving, either her personal vacation home or the Governor’s official summer residence. Both residences are located in the Western District of Michigan. Fox described it as a 'Snatch and grab, man. Grab the f—’ Governor. Just grab the bitch. Because at that point, we do that, dude -- it’s over.' FOX said that after kidnapping the Governor, the group would remove her to a secure location in Wisconsin for 'trial'."
Whitmer placed the blame for the plot in part on dangerous and divisive political rhetoric across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also issued a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump and his handling of these issues.
"This should be a moment for national unity, where we all pull together and meet this challenge head on with the same might and muscle that put a man on the moon," Whitmer said. "Seeing the humanity in one another and doing out part to help out country get through this."
"Instead," the governor continued, "our head of state has spent the past seven months denying science, ignoring his own health experts, stoking distrust, fomenting anger and giving comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division."
Whitmer pointed to a much-discussed moment in last week's presidential debate when she said Trump refused to condemn violent militias and hate groups "like these two Michigan militia groups."
"'Stand back and stand by', he told them," Whitmer said. "Hate groups head 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 work, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and they are complicit," she continued. "When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit."
Whitmer said "hatred, bigotry and violence" have no place in Michigan, and those who conspire to commit violence against anyone will be brought to justice.
The governor said "I get it" — that the last seven months have been difficult for all Michiganders, and that she also has had to make many difficult decision to keep residents safe from COVID-19.
"The disruption this virus had caused to our daily lives is immeasurable," Whitmer said, adding, however, "Our hard work and sacrifices have saved thousands of lives."
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