Gov. Whitmer Appears on 'The View', Blasts Protesters + Opponents

In an appearance on national TV, Governor Gretchen Whitmer reacted to armed demonstrators who have protested her Stay-Home-Stay-Safe Executive Orders.

Whitmer appeared on ABC's 'The View,' saying the protests undermine the state's effort to keep Michigan's citizens safe from coronavirus.

"It's very clearly a political statement that is playing out where people are coming out from across the state, they are congregating, they are not wearing masks, they are not staying six feet apart, and they go back home into communities and the risk of perpetuating the spread of COVID-19 is real," the governor said. "While I respect people's right to dissent, they need to do it in a way that is responsible and does not put others at risk."

When asked if she is fearful for her safety from groups that have called for violence against her, Whitmer said she is bothered by the intimidation tactics but is grateful for the protection offered by the Michigan State Police.

"Michigan's capitol is one of a few capitols in the country where people can come bearing arms and what we saw last week and what we anticipate seeing tomorrow is those arms being used to intimidate others to being brandished in a way that is to strike fear in others and that is not legal activity," Whitmer said.

Whitmer went on to say that she respects other's rights to dissent but reiterated that it does not give anyone the right to endanger the lives of others.