Congressman Sires’ Statement on the President’s Reaction to Foiled Plot to Kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement after President Trump not only failed to condemn the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer but went on to attack her:

“When people plot to kidnap one of our governors, there should be no hesitation in condemning their actions. Yet, when 13 individuals were arrested yesterday in a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, topple the state government, and instigate a civil war, the President instead chose to attack Governor Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a storyline we’ve seen play out many times with President Trump. After Charlottesville he claimed there were very fine people on both sides, when heavily armed vigilantes stormed the Michigan State House earlier this year he tweeted out “LIBERATE MICHIGAN”, and during the presidential debate, he President could not even bring himself to condemn the white supremacist group Proud Boys, instead telling them to stand back and stand by. Our President is not only turning a blind eye to violent right-wing sentiment in our nation but his failure to condemn horrific plots like this one is encouraging violence against elected officials.”

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