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'I think it’s fear-mongering.' Lt. Gov. Gilchrist responds to President Trump saying he may send federal troops to Detroit to curb civil unrest

Posted at 2:30 PM, Jul 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-21 17:16:17-04

(WXYZ) — Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist is speaking out about President Donald Trump's comments indicated that he would consider sending federal agents into Detroit and other cities to curb "civil unrest."

RELATED: Governor Whitmer responds after President Trump says he may send federal troops to Detroit to curb civil unrest

Gilchrist told 7 Action News the following:

"I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s fear-mongering. I think it is an indication of how little President Trump understands about this moment. How little President Trump understands about the people of Michigan and the people of Detroit, specifically. That he always resorts to fear tactics and threatening rather than actually working to solve problems."

"I think it’s a disgusting thing what we’re seeing in places like Portland, where these unidentified federal agents are coming and kidnapping people off the street. That’s what he’s proposing for Detroit and for Michigan. People should think about that when thinking about who they’re going to vote for in November."

"Do you want to vote for a person for president who is willing to kidnap Americans off the street? That is not okay. I think that’s a really dangerous precedent to set and that’s something that’s not acceptable in the state of Michigan."

Trump's comments came after federal troops and protesters have clashed over the last week. He also mentioned sending federal law enforcement to other cities including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Oakland.