Whitmer Cites Trump While Addressing Militia Kidnapping Plot

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer quoted President Donald Trump and cited his inability to condemn white supremacist groups Thursday when addressing for the first time what authorities said was a largescale plot to kidnap and kill her.

"'Stand back and stand by,' he told them," Whitmer said, quoting Trump from September during the first presidential debate with Democratic Candidate Joe Biden. "Hate groups heard the President's words, not as a a rebuke, but as a rallying cry. As a call to action."

State and federal charges were issued against 13 people of the Michigan militia group "Wolverine Watchmen" Thursday. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges during a news conference and called the plot against Whitmer "a serious and credible threat to public safety."

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

The investigation involved people from across Michigan, including Belleville, Cadillac, Canton, Charlotte, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Luther, Munith, Orion Township, Ovid, Portage, Shelby Township and Waterford, Nessel said.

Whitmer thanked law enforcement for foiling the plan, an investigation that lasted several months beginning in early 2020. Plots discussed by the militia group included taking hostages at the Capitol building, kidnapping the governor from her vacation home and going to her home to "cap her," according to court records.

Whitmer said the past seven months have been difficult due to the coronavirus pandemic, but said she would continue to do "everything in my power to keep you and your family safe."

But Whitmer's message seemed primarily directed at Trump, whose words she connected to the actions of the militia group.

"When our leaders speak, their words matter. They carry weight," she said. "When our leaders meet with, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists. They legitimize their actions, and they are complicit.

"Hatred and bigotry and violence have no place in the great state of Michigan. If you break the law or conspire to commit heinous acts of violence against anyone, we will find you. We will hold you accountable, and we will bring you to justice."

In response to Whitmer, the White House released a statement saying Trump has "continually condemned white supremacists."

"Governor Whitmer is sowing division by making these outlandish allegations," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in the statement. "America stands united against hate and in support of our federal law enforcement who stopped this plot."