Great Lakes Wire

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist (D-Mich.) released a statement in response to the outcome of the trial of four men facing a combination of charges, including kidnapping conspiracy, conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction, and weapons charges, according to a press release.

"Today's outcome is disappointing," Gilchrist said. "But it cannot and will not prevent us from standing tall for Michigan. When we took our oaths of office, we committed to serving Michiganders, and while violent extremists try to scare us and prevent us from doing our jobs, we will keep that commitment. We will keep working hard and living up to the oath we took."

Gilchrist also took the opportunity to praise Gov. Whitmer (D-Mich.).

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is a fierce leader and a dear friend," Gilchrist said. "I have seen who she is: a mother who loves her family and her friends. It has been the honor of my life to serve alongside her as lieutenant governor. Since day one, when she asked me to run, I have seen her dedication and commitment to the people of Michigan. I have seen her devotion to the kind of public service that works around the clock to make Michiganders' lives better and delivers real change for every community. I have seen her step up to the plate to make tough decisions."

Gilchrist used that statement as a springboard to further denounce political violence. 

"Our differences must be settled at the ballot box, not through violence," he said. "We need to be honest and clear about what causes violence by extremists and do all we can to address the root cause of it. Elected officials, parents, teachers, faith leaders, all of us have a duty to stand up to these hateful actions and teach our kids that there is a better way."

Gilchrist continued to praise Whitmer, remaining optimistic about what she can do in the future. 

“I know that Gov. Whitmer will continue leading with grit to do what is right," he said. "She loves this amazing state and she will keep putting Michiganders first — no matter what.”