Trump rages after Michigan governor accusations – VG

On Thursday, the US FBI stated that they had prevented what they believe were concrete plans to kidnap the Democratic governor of the state of Michigan.

A total of six hijackers are said to have come a long way in the work and are said to have performed various exercises. The plan is said to have been to forcibly retrieve Gretchen Whitmer from her own vacation home before the November 3 US presidential election.

According to the FBI, the motive was what the defendant saw as Whitmer’s “uncontrolled power,” and the background of mind should be the crown restrictions he has introduced, writes the AP news agency.

Seven other men are charged with plans to attack the police and the state assembly in Michigan, where they wanted to take hostages and create a civil war, among other things, police believe.

At least three of the 13 accused were among the armed protesters who broke into a crown poll at the state congress building on April 30, writes AP.

Andrew Birge in the indictment describes the defendants as “violent extremists.” Several of them belong to the Wolverine Watchmen militia.

“There has been a disturbing increase in anti-government rhetoric and the recovery of groups embracing extreme ideologies,” said state attorney general Dana Nessel in a statement to the Washington Post.

– Like a shout for action

Whitmer has been at war with Trump multiple times. In April, the president drew attention to the Twitter message, “FREE MICHIGAN,” which was seen as supportive of protesters protesting crown restrictions in the state.

Shortly after the alleged kidnapping plans against her became known Thursday, Whitmer accused Trump of encouraging extremist groups such as “sick and depraved men” who were looking for her.

He referred in particular to the presidential debate between Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, to which Trump responded when asked to distance himself from supporters of white power and far-right groups like the Proud Boys:

– Proud Boys, stand back and get ready. But I say this: someone has to do something with Antifa.

After massive criticism, Trump finally came out and condemned the Proud Boys.

“The hate groups did not take the president’s words as a reprimand, but as a call to action,” Whitmer said of the remarks, adding that he believes US leaders are complicit in encouraging and associating with “national terrorists.”

Whitmer was elected governor of Michigan in 2018, and this summer she was considered a potential vice presidential candidate for Joe Biden.

“Every time the White House identifies or attacks me, we see an increase in rhetoric online, violent rhetoric,” he told CNN.

Biden also believes that Trump’s rhetoric may have had an impact on the Michigan governor’s alleged kidnapping plans, NTB writes.

“Trump must understand that the words he speaks mean something,” he said when he arrived in Arizona on Thursday.

When asked if he thought Trump’s Twitter message “liberate Michigan” might have inspired the men accused of the kidnapping plots, he replied “yes, I do.”

– I do not tolerate any form of extreme violence

The president of the United States reacts strongly to Whitmer’s accusations Friday night.

– My Justice Department and federal police officers announced today that they have prevented a dangerous plot against the Governor of Michigan. Instead of thanking you call me a white power supporter writes President Donald Trump on Twitter.

In another message, she writes that the governor “has done a terribly bad job” and that during the corona pandemic she closed the state to everyone except her husband’s boat activities.

Trump also distances himself from extreme violence.

– I do not tolerate any form of extreme violence. Standing up for all Americans, including those who oppose and attack me, is something I will always do as President. Governor Whitmer – open your state, open schools and open churches!