Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was harassed by anti-Israel activists while celebrating her daughter’s graduation.
While at Bobcat Bonnies in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Whitmer was approached by a group of anti-Israel activists who shouted, “Genocide!”
“How do you justify genocide?” one activist repeatedly asked as the Michigan governor appeared to ignore the woman. “How do you sleep at night?”
The activist approached Whitmer, asking “What are you doing about Palestinian children?”
“I appreciate you raising your voice in here. I’m at a graduation meal with my daughter,” Whitmer responded to the group, though was cut off by the activists.
“What about all of the children that are in mass graves? What about them?” one of the protesters yelled at the governor, who in turn asked them to “respectfully” refrain from their outburts.
The Michigan governor then referred to Israel’s military response in Gaza as “heartbreaking.”
Last month, Whitmer faced backlash for not immediately condemning “Death to America” chants heard at a Dearborn, Michigan rally.
Activists were recorded chanting violent slogans during the Al-Quds Day rally in Dearborn, Michigan on April 5. Shortly after, President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning the “abhorrent and antisemitic remarks in the strongest terms.”
Despite overwhelming objection to the activists’ chants, Whitmer, along with Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, did not immediately issue a response.
“This hateful rhetoric is unacceptable, and does not represent Michigan or Dearborn,” Whitmer’s office said in a Sunday statement to Fox News Digital. “The Dearborn community is full of hardworking, proud Americans.”
“Our state is diverse and we are proud of it,” her office added.
Tlaib did not issue a statement on the incident, though clashed with one Fox News reporter at tha Capitol later that week.
“I don’t talk to Fox News,” the Michigan representative declared, accusing the outlet of invoking “racist tropes” and Islamophobia.
Dearborn’s Mayor Abdullah Hammound said activist’s chants were “unacceptable and contrary to the heart” of the city in an X post.
“We reject all inflammatory and violent statements made at the gathering,” Hammound said. “Dearborn is a city of proud Americans; the hateful rhetoric heard on Friday does not reflect the opinion of the members of this community.”
“The Dearborn community stands for peace and justice for all people. We are proud to call this city and this country home,” he added.
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