Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has condemned a move by Donald Trump to consider pardoning crazed extremists who plotted to kidnap her and “hog tie” her, the Daily Beast reports.
Trump, when asked about the possibility of pardons, said he would “take a look at it,” and described the trial as “somewhat of a railroad job,” suggesting he believed the proceedings may have been unfair.
Said Whitmer: “I’m very disappointed that they are even considering it, frankly.”
She added: “When the president was shot at in Pennsylvania, I was one of the first people on either side of the aisle to condemn it. We have to condemn political violence, no matter who it comes from, no matter who it is aimed at. It does a disservice to everyone if we do anything short of that.”
Whitmer highlighted the importance of universally condemning political violence, regardless of political affiliation or the target. Whitmer drew a parallel to her own condemnation of the attempted assassination of Trump during a campaign event, underscoring that “anything short of condemning political violence does a disservice to everyone.”
Exactly – If Whitmer’s kidnap plotters are being considered for a pardon, Trump’s shooter should be as well, right?
The plot against Whitmer was orchestrated by a group angry at her COVID-19 policies. Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., the principal conspirators, are currently serving lengthy federal sentences after being convicted in 2022 of conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Serious stuff.
The plot and subsequent convictions have become a touchstone for debates about extremism and the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence. Some on the political right have claimed the FBI entrapped the defendants, but courts have upheld the convictions, citing extensive evidence of intent and planning.
Why is this even being discussed?