Gov. Gretchen Whitmer denounces ‘calls to hate’ behind political violence

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D), the target of a kidnapping plot in 2020, condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and denounced the act as part of an “alarming, years-long trend” of violence in American politics.

“The shooting of former President Trump was a disgusting act of violence that completes an alarming, years-long trend in our politics,” she said. wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Behind all these incidents is rhetoric. We have seen calls to hate, harm or imprison political opponents. Violent conspiracies from the nastiest corners of the internet have been incorporated into stump speeches.”

Whitmer, who has been governor since 2019, was targeted in a kidnapping plot just before the 2020 presidential election. The plan was foiled by the FBIwho said the people behind it hoped to encourage anti-government extremists.

In her message, Whitmer said the plan to kidnap and possibly kill her was part of a growing pattern of violence against lawmakers and those working to defend democracy. She pointed to the 2017 shooting at a Congressional baseball game that seriously injured Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.); the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol; and the attack on the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) at their home.

“We have lost the plot when it comes to the way we talk to each other and about each other,” Whitmer wrote. “Regardless of your age, you have been influenced by this trend. This vitriol has infiltrated our lives. It is broken relationships and marriages; friendships and families.”

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have condemned the attack and President Joe Biden urged the nation to lower the temperature in politics during a speech from the Oval Office on Sunday evening.

Whitmer echoed those calls, saying she is concerned about Americans born in 2006 who will vote for the first time this year.

“Think of what they saw. Imagine what they must think about our politics. Is it a hopeful, inspiring arena where you can passionately advocate for what you believe in?” she wrote. “No.”

“We all choose whether we want to dive into an argument and make it personal, bitter or extreme,” she added. “Instead, let’s choose to move forward together. … Let us show our children that the nation they will inherit is worthy of their love.”