Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Slams “Racist and Misogynistic” Armed Protests On ‘The View’

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is stepping up to defend Michigan’s stay-at-home order, even as protestors in her state have called for her arrest. On Wednesday morning, Whitmer appeared on The View via satellite to discuss the armed anti-lockdown protests in her state, which she described as “racist and misogynistic.” While the governor respects her citizens’ right to bear arms, she said that these weapons are meant to “intimidate” lawmakers, and many are now fearful for their safety — herself included. “This is a terribly concerning development,” said Whitmer. “We have legislators who are showing up to work wearing bulletproof vests.”

This morning, Gov. Whitmer sat down with The View‘s co-hosts to discuss the contentious protests at Michigan’s state house. “You have described the protests as some of the worst racism and awful parts of our history. You even said that there were swastikas, Confederate flags, and nooses present,” said Sunny Hostin. “Do you feel the [Trump] administration is helping fuel the fire here?”

“The fact of the matter is, these protests, in a perverse way, make it likelier that we’re going to have to stay in a stay-at-home posture,” replied Whitmer. “That’s why I’m asking that everyone with a platform call on people to do the right thing.”

Whitmer said that the armed rallies have been “really political,” and protestors have come to Lansing with symbols of hate speech. “It’s certainly not an exercise of democratic principles, where we have free speech,” she said of the Nazi and Confederate imagery. “This is calls to violence, this is racist and misogynistic.”

When guest co-host Sara Haines asked if the Michigan governor is “fearful for [her] personal safety,” Whitmer answered in the affirmative. “Well, I would be not truthful if I said it didn’t bother me. It certainly does,” she said, adding that the state police has stepped in as security for her family. While Michigan capitol allows visitors to bring firearms into the building, she said that protestors have taken advantage of this policy to “intimidate others” into relaxing restrictions. “That is not legal activity,” said Whitmer.

“I respect people’s right to dissent, but that does not extend to endangering other people’s lives,” she continued. “And we take it very seriously.”

Watch portions of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s interview above.

Where to stream The View