Tim Michels Tells Supporters to Arm Themselves with “Pitchforks and Torches” After Being Exposed for Giving $250K to Radical Groups

Tim Michels is threatening violence against the press after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel exposed him last week for personally donating $250,000 to radical anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ groups through his foundation in 2020.

Instead of answering why he supports groups that support banning abortion without any exceptions and are run by individuals who attack transgender children, Michels went on conservative talk radio to say people should “be ready to get out on the streets with pitchforks and torches.”

Here’s what people are saying about Michels’ dangerous and divisive comments:

• Associated Press: “The Republican candidate for governor in Wisconsin endorsed by Donald Trump is calling for people to take up ‘pitchforks and torches’ in reaction to a story that detailed his giving to anti-abortion groups, churches and others.”

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Indeed, Michels, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump earlier this year, has now started to sound like him — launching attacks on foes via Twitter and conservative outlets while avoiding the tough questions that come with being governor … Michels’ campaign has even tried to raise money off the dispute.”

• Business Insider: “A Republican candidate running for Wisconsin governor has told people to take up ‘pitchforks and torches’ after it was revealed he has been donating to anti-abortion groups.”

• Urban Milwaukee: “Wisconsin’s Republican candidate for governor, Tim Michels, has called on people to take up ‘pitchforks and torches’ in reaction to a story that detailed his giving to anti-abortion groups, churches that have taken anti-gay positions and a group that also opposes some forms of contraception.”

• WIZM: “Michels also launched his tirade against the reporter behind the story, the newspaper that published it, and the media in general. He, however, did not say the story isn’t true. He may not like that it was reported, but it is factual … We don’t need politicians fanning the flames with political rhetoric that suggests we go over the edge, and grab pitchforks and torches.”

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