Authorities in Michigan have arrested 13 men with ties to right-wing militias, including six men who allegedly plotted to kidnap the governor of Michigan, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, ahead of the November election. Seven other men linked to a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen face state terrorism, conspiracy and weapons charges for plotting to storm the state Capitol in Lansing with the intent of starting a civil war.

Governor Whitmer blamed President Trump for instigating the violent plots. In April, Trump sent a tweet reading ”LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” — and just last week Trump told a far-right hate group known as the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “When our leaders meet with, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions, and they are complicit.”
President Trump responded by attacking Governor Whitmer in three tweets on Thursday.