DGA Releases Statement on Foiled Kidnapping Plot Against Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Today, the FBI reported it had successfully foiled a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in an attempt to overthrow the state’s government. The news of the foiled plot comes after months of vitriolic comments hurled at the governor by President Trump and the refusal of the Trump administration to recognize the threats made against Gov. Whitmer’s safety.  

DGA Chair New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released the following statement: 

“We’re beyond relieved that Governor Whitmer and her family are safe and secure. We want to thank the FBI and law enforcement for their tireless work to keep Governor Whitmer, her family, and other public officials around the country safe.

“This shocking development is the most disturbing of the increasingly violent threats being made against Democratic governors by some of the most extreme and violent fringes of the right. Unless and until President Trump openly denounces such right-wing extremism, groups like the Michigan Militia will continue to act as if they hold a permission slip from him to openly engage in such terrorist plots.

“At this time in our nation’s history, with a once-in-a-century pandemic and economic crisis, it’s up to the President and his supporters to stop fanning the flames of division. I urge my Republican colleagues to join in this call.

“As governors, we all know the risks of public service, but it’s still frightening when such dangers hit so close to home. Democratic governors won’t be scared by threats, and we won’t back down. We will continue to do the right thing for the people we represent.”