LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Republican legislative leaders and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have had more than their share of disagreements in recent months especially over her Executive Orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But House Speaker Lee Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey released strongly worded statements shortly after the news broke on Thursday about a plot to kidnap the Governor.
Chatfield said on Twitter, “Violence has no place in politics. Ever. It’s never a solution to disagreements. The people who targeted @GovWhitmer and police officers are un-American. Justice should be swift and severe. It’s time to send a message that violence will not be tolerated.”
Shirkey also said on Twitter, “A threat against our Governor is a threat against all of us. These people are not patriots. There is no honor in their actions…Citizens who care about government show their passion by voting. Only terrorists resort to violence”
Dozens of people gathered on the Capitol lawn Thursday evening to show their support for the governor. This happened just hours after a pre-planned rally also occurred in front of the Capitol in an effort to strip the governor of her emergency powers.
Jim Measel contributed to this report.
