Over a week ago, at a Michigan rally, activists shouted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has now spoken out against these statements.
Whitmer’s office expressed to Fox News Digital, "This hateful rhetoric is unacceptable and does not represent Michigan or Dearborn. The Dearborn community is full of hardworking, proud Americans. Our state is diverse and we are proud of it."
Although her office prepared a statement earlier, it was not published in the media nor shared on her social media.
The disturbing chants were captured during an Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn on April 5. Whitmer had not publicly commented on the incident until recently, even as the Biden administration sharply criticized the remarks.
The Biden campaign clearly stated it does not seek the support of those who participated in the chanting. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud also condemned the chants, stating they were "unacceptable and contrary to the heart" of Dearborn.
Michigan Senate Republicans criticized Whitmer, accusing her of remaining silent for too long about the rally's rhetoric.
A USA Today op-ed echoed this criticism, questioning Whitmer’s lack of response to the chants.
Dearborn is known for its significant pro-Palestinian sentiment, especially during International Al-Quds Day, an event that draws considerable attention in the city with the highest per capita Muslim population in the U.S.
On NBC’s "Meet the Press," Whitmer discussed the potential impact of Biden’s policies on Michigan’s vote in the upcoming presidential election. She noted, "The state of Michigan is always going to be a close race, no matter what."
She continued, discussing her dialogues with local communities. "I've had conversations with people both in my Jewish community and in the Arab American and Muslim and Palestinian community. A lot of people are hurting right now, a lot of people are one degree of separation from someone who's lost their lives."
Whitmer emphasized her commitment to maintaining open dialogue and supporting Michigan's diverse communities. "And so I'm trying to keep an open dialogue to stay focused on how we support these beautiful diverse communities here in Michigan."
