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Whitmer on kidnapping plot: 'This is not a militia, this is a domestic terror organization'

Posted at 8:11 AM, Oct 09, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-09 08:12:00-04

(WXYZ) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer doubled down on her assertion that President Donald Trump is complicit in extremist behavior.

'Gov. Whitmer is sowing division.' White House responds after Whitmer addresses kidnapping plot

In an appearance on Good Morning America Friday morning, Whitmer said she was made aware of the kidnapping plot weeks ago.

The plot detailed intentions to bomb the state Capitol, kidnap the governor and put her on trial for "treason."

"These are the types of things you hear from ISIS," she said. "This is not a militia, this is a domestic terror organization."

She stressed that people of goodwill "on both sides of the aisle" need to stand up and do the right thing.

Furthermore, she accused the president of encouraging extremist behavior, citing his words during the first presidential debate when he said "stand by" to the Proud Boys.

"Each time he has tweeted about me, each time he says 'liberate Michigan,' and said I should negotiate with the very people who were arrested because they're 'good people,' that incites more domestic terror," Whitmer said.

Thursday evening, President Trump took to Twitter to address Gov. Whitmer directly, saying that she's "done a terrible job" as governor. He also addressed Whitmer condemning him for not coming out against white supremacy.

"I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence," he tweeted. "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!"

Whitmer also said she saw an increase in hateful language since the moment the president referred to her as "that woman from Michigan."