Michigan GOP, Dem Legislators React To Governor Kidnapping Plot

MICHIGAN — Republican and Democratic officials reacted to reports Thursday regarding what authorities described as a large-scale plot to kidnap and kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

More than a dozen people — members of a militia group Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the "Wolverine Watchmen" — have been accused in connection with the plot, which was announced Thursday during a news conference. Support for Whitmer by legislators was nonpartisan, with both sides denouncing the plot and those involved.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, a Republican, said the threat against Whitmer is "a threat against us all."

"We condemn those who plotted against her and our government," Shirkey, a Republican, said. "They are not patriots. There is no honor in their actions. They are criminals and traitors, and they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Speaker of the House, Republican Lee Chatfield, responded to the plots against Whitmer by saying violence won't be tolerated.

"Violence has no place in politics. Ever," he tweeted. "It’s never a solution to disagreements. The people who targeted @GovWhitmer and police officers are un-American. Justice should be swift and severe. It’s time to send a message that violence will not be tolerated."

Republican Sen. Aric Nesbitt said there is no place for violence in American politics.

"Thank goodness for the strong & swift work of law enforcement to stop this disturbing & dangerous plot," he said. "Americans act through the ballot box, terrorists use violence. Prayers for the continued safety of Michigan’s first family."

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson commended Michigan law enforcement officials, including Nessel, for their leadership and work during the investigation.

Democratic Sen. Gary Peters called the news "horrifying."

"I’m thankful to our law enforcement for their efforts to thwart this plot," he tweeted. "The individuals charged should be held accountable & prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Read More: Michigan Milita Members Accused In Plot To Kidnap, Kill Whitmer

Nessel announced that 13 people had been indicted as of Thursday, including residents from across the state, including communities such as Belleville, Cadillac, Canton, Charlotte, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Luther, Munith, Orion Township, Ovid, Portage, Shelby Township and Waterford.

Authorities became aware of the conspiracy in early 2020, and gathered more information through informants, officials said Thursday.

Group members said they wanted to form to follow the U.S. Bill of Rights and live where they could be self-sufficient, according to federal documents.

The group gathered at various times and training with guns and performed tactical drills, according to the documents.

Plans included kidnapping the governor from her vacation home, going to her home to "cap her" and even storming the Capitol building with 200 men and taking hostages, documents show.

"This is my workplace. My team's workplace. They wanted to storm this building and take hostages," Democratic Sen. Mallory McMorrow tweeted.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat, seemed to tie the plot to kidnap Whitmer to words tweeted by President Donald Trump April 17, when he posted "LIBERATE MICHIGAN" amid statewide lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I wonder where they got their motivation from," she tweeted.

The White House said in a statement Thursday that Whitmer is "sowing division by making these outlandish allegations."

Read More: Whitmer Cites Trump While Addressing Militia Kidnapping Plot

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch