Whitmer says Trump complicit after plot uncovered

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says President Donald Trump is "complicit" in the plot that was uncovered of men who allegedly planned for months to kidnap her.

"Well, anyone who gives safe harbor to or encouragement, who is complicit," said Whitmer during an interview on “ABC News/Good Morning America”  Friday morning.

"Both sides of the aisle need to stand up and do the right thing here, because this should not stand in the United States of America in 2020."

Authorities announced Thursday that they foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Whitmer in a scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home before the Nov. 3 elections.

Six men were charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap the governor in reaction to what they viewed as her “uncontrolled power,” according to a federal complaint. Separately, seven others linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state court for allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and seek a “civil war," including four who allegedly helped to surveil Whitmer’s house.

The two groups trained together and planned “various acts of violence,” according to the state police.

Authorities said the plots were stopped with the work of undercover agents and informants. The men were arrested Wednesday night. The six charged in federal court face up to life in prison if convicted. The state terrorism charges the other seven men face carry a possible 20-year sentence.

Trump tweeted that the governor “has done a terrible job” and again called on her to “open up your state.” He said he does not tolerate any extreme violence.

Whitmer, who was considered as Biden’s running mate and is nearly halfway through a four-year term, has been widely praised for her response to the coronavirus but also sharply criticized by Republican lawmakers and people in conservative areas of the state.

The Capitol has been the site of many rallies, including ones with gun-toting protesters calling for her ouster.

"A decent human being would pick up the phone and say, hey, are you okay? How's your family doing?" said Whitmer.

"That's what a decent human being. That's what Joe Biden did."