Gretchen Whitmer
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Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke out against the inflammatory rhetoric of chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” at a prominent rally in Michigan, more than a week after the event took place.
Unacceptable
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“This hateful rhetoric is unacceptable, and does not represent Michigan or Dearborn,” Whitmer’s office told Fox News Digital on Sunday. “The Dearborn community is full of hardworking, proud Americans. Our state is diverse and we are proud of it.”
Statement
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According to a spokesperson for Whitmer, a statement had been prepared and made available to the media upon request.
Social media
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However, this statement did not seem to have been published in any news outlets and was conspicuously missing from the governor’s social media platforms.
Whitmer’s office
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Fox News Digital had reached out to Whitmer’s office the previous week for a response regarding the chants but had not received any comments at that point.
Death to America
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Video footage captured protesters chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” at an Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn on April 5.
Biden administration
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While the Biden administration strongly denounced the “abhorrent and antisemitic remarks” made at the rally, Governor Whitmer had appeared to stay silent on the issue.
Biden campaign
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Additionally, when questioned if they still sought the support of those who participated in the chants, the Biden campaign responded with a firm “No.”
Criticized
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Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud also publicly criticized the chants, labeling them as “unacceptable and against the spirit” of Dearborn.
No Silence
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“Gov. Whitmer may be celebrating the Day of No Silence today, but she’s been celebrating a whole WEEK of silence by refusing to condemn the ‘Death to America’ rally held in our state,” Michigan Senate Republicans posted Friday.
Protesters
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“Michigan protesters chanted ‘Death to America.’ Why is Whitmer silent?” a critical op-ed published Sunday in USA Today asked in its headline.
Al-Quds Day
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The annual International Al-Quds Day, a pro-Palestinian event that occurs on the last Friday of Ramadan and where the controversial “Death to America!” chants were heard, receives strong backing in Dearborn, a city with the highest Muslim population per capita in the United States.
Conflict in Israel
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During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Whitmer was questioned about whether President Biden’s approach to the conflict in Israel might impact his chances of winning Michigan’s vote in the upcoming presidential election in November.
Close race
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“The state of Michigan is always going to be a close race, no matter what, under what scenario,” Whitmer said. “I will share, though, as I’ve had conversations with people both in my Jewish community and in the Arab American and Muslim and Palestinian community, that a lot of people are hurting right now. A lot of people are one degree of separation from someone who’s lost their lives, whether it was on October 7, or is in the war in Gaza.”
Stay focused
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She added, “And so I’m trying to keep an open dialogue to stay focused on how we support these beautiful diverse communities here in Michigan.”
