Michigan Governor Whitmer Declines to Back Attorney General Nessel Amid Controversy Over Charges Against Anti-Israel Protesters

Michigan Gov. Whitmer Refuses to Support Attorney General Dana Nessel in Controversy Regarding Charges Against Anti-Israel Protesters

Governor sidesteps allegations of anti-Semitism

In a startling shift from party lines, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declined to back fellow Democrat and current Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a controversy regarding Nessel’s decision to charge anti-Israel protesters at the University of Michigan. The charges stem from allegations of the protesters assaulting police and engaging in ethnic intimidation.

The protesters have found an ally in Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who has strikingly suggested that Nessel’s decision to press charges was influenced by the Attorney General’s Jewish heritage, a claim Nessel publicly denies.

In a recent CNN interview, Governor Whitmer was asked to comment on Tlaib’s allegations. The Governor deflected, stating, “I’m not going to get in the middle of this argument that they’re having,”. She went on to affirm that ensuring student safety on college campuses and the right to express opinions are both of utmost importance, without commenting on the controversy directly.

Critics Decry Governor’s Lack of Support

Critics, including Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, are taking issue with Whitmer’s apparent reluctance to address the situation. Greenblatt voiced his criticism of the Governor’s noncommittal response, pushing for a more direct stand against antisemitism.

Greenblatt argued that such prosecution of law-violating individuals, specifically those engaged in harassing Jews and attacking police officers, is a matter of public safety. He asserted that for Whitmer to commit to ensuring campus safety without directly addressing antisemitism and supporting law enforcement is ineffective and disingenuous.

In response to Greenblatt’s criticisms, Whitmer’s spokesperson Stacey LaRouche issued a statement reiterating Whitmer’s condemnation of all forms of bigotry, including anti-Semitism and racism. The statement made no mention of Rep. Tlaib or the controversy surrounding Attorney General Nessel’s decision to charge the protesters.

Charges Against Anti-Israel Protesters

Nessel recently charged several anti-Israel demonstrators involved in altercations at the University of Michigan. Charges include assaulting or resisting police—a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. Other charges include misdemeanor trespassing, carrying a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison. An alumnus was also charged with disturbing the peace and attempted ethnic intimidation.

Tlaib’s publicly slammed Nessel for her decision, claiming there is a bias in the Attorney General’s office. Tlaib went as far as calling the charges a precedent that she expected from a Republican, not a fellow Democrat. Nessel retorted to Tlaib’s comments, accusing her of promoting antisemitic views.

Previous Conflict Between Nessel and Tlaib

This is not the first instance of a public spat between Nessel and Tlaib. Previously, Nessel rebuked Tlaib for her support of the protesters’ chant “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a statement many observed as a call for the elimination of Israel. Nessel appealed to Tlaib at that time, asking her to “retract this cruel and hateful remark.” Tlaib did not respond.

This incident represents a growing divide within the Democratic ranks on the issue of Israel and Palestine relations. As controversy flares, leaders like Governor Whitmer will continue to navigate the complexities and potential pitfalls that come with shaping a party line stance.