In wake of plot, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 'not worried' about Election Day violence, says Michigan is prepared
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the target of an alleged kidnapping plot that included threats of violence, said Sunday she is not worried about violence on Nov. 3, but the state is prepared to keep voters safe that day.
Whitmer also said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that she believes "there still are serious threats" from individuals aligned with groups similar to those involved in an alleged plot against her, a suspected act of domestic terrorism.
Asked by host Margaret Brennan if she is worried about violence on Election Day, Whitmer said: "I'm not worried, but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe."
"We will not tolerate anyone … interfering with someone's ability to safely vote."
Inside the investigation: How the FBI spent months tracking the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
On Thursday, the federal government charged six men with conspiracy to kidnap in connection with a suspected plot to kidnap Whitmer that authorities said they wanted to carry out before Election Day. Also Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel brought charges against seven other men that included supporting terrorism, gang membership and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.
The range of suspected plans included kidnapping Whitmer from her family's summer cottage and taking her to Wisconsin for a "trial" on treason charges, an armed attack on the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, and attacks on law enforcement. Officials said some of those accused had purchased a high-voltage Taser and night goggles, conducted surveillance on Whitmer and had arranged to purchase explosives.
Whitmer repeated earlier comments that she believes groups such as the Wolverine Watchmen, whose founders are accused in her case, are taking comfort and motivation from statements by President Donald Trump and some Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature who have spoken at rallies against her emergency orders to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Trump: President criticizes Whitmer after thwarted kidnapped plot
Trump, who tweeted "Liberate Michigan" in capital letters after an anti-Whitmer demonstration at the Capitol in April, "has been increasingly divisive and downright dangerous," Whitmer said.
On Saturday, state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, in a series of tweets and in an "open letter" to Whitmer released by his office, criticized the governor for not tipping off legislative leaders and security officials about the suspected plot, which she has said officials advised her about a few weeks ago.
Chatfield faced immediate blowback from numerous sources, including former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, who said it is up to the FBI and others in law enforcement to determine who should be informed about any active investigation involving surveillance of alleged conspirators and use of confidential FBI informants.
"Why weren’t we in the Legislature warned of the plot to take hostages at the Capitol?" Chatfield asked in the letter to Whitmer.
"The plot by these terrorists was against us, too. Why weren’t House sergeants warned? You knew, and we weren’t even given a warning. We had people working in the building every day doing essential work, and their lives matter, too."
Asked when the nation will know how Michigan voted Nov. 3, Whitmer said she expects Michigan will be able to announce election results "soon after the polls close," but she would not be more specific.
That appeared to conflict with comments from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who has said it could be the Friday of election week before results are known.
Whitmer said she is working closely with Benson and Nessel to make sure the election is safe and smooth.
'They’re domestic terrorists': Michigan governor objects to calling men charged in kidnapping plot 'militias'
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gretchen Whitmer 'not worried' about Election Day violence after plot
