FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gov. Andy Beshear offered his support to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at his briefing Thursday after it was revealed more than a dozen men had been charged in connection to an alleged plot to kidnap Whitmer.
He also denounced "extremist" militia groups and called on other Kentucky politicians to follow suit.
On Thursday, 13 men were charged in connection to a plot to kidnap Whitmer, with six facing federal charges and the remaining seven men facing state charges, according to NBC News.
Some of the men are believed to be tied to an anti-government militia, according to NBC News.
"Gov. Whitmer and her family shouldn't have to go through what they're going through today," Gov. Beshear said.
He also spoke about what happened in May when he was hanged in effigy outside of the Kentucky state capitol. Beshear said at the time a right-wing militia group called the Three Percenters was involved.
"These groups are not freedom fighters, they are terrorists. They're not security forces, they are threats to our nation," Beshear said.
He called on Kentucky leaders and lawmakers to denounce militia groups as well.
"Domestic terrorism is about violence and intimidation pure and simple," he said. "There are no two sides to it. Theres hould be no state leaders or lawmakers pandering to these violent extremists. No posing for photos, no speaking at their rallies because wrong is wrong."
