Claims of "tyranny" turn into suggestions -- or fantasies -- about shooting or hanging the governor. Some critics of Michigan stay-home orders go frighteningly beyond political debate when talking among themselves in private social media groups.
More than 385,000 people join this members-only Facebook group.
A Metro Times reporter joined four members-only Facebook groups and spots scary stuff that includes the words "blood," "shotgun," "lynching," "noose," "assassin" and "eat lead."
Dozens of angry Michiganders, fueled by conspiracy theories and disinformation about the coronavirus, are promoting violence and mobilizing armed rallies against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Facebook.
... The pages, which have a combined 400,000 members, are filled with paranoid, sexist, and grammar-challenged rants, with members encouraging violence.
Steve Neavling, the enterprising infiltrator, tweets Monday morning: "I've been a reporter for more than 20 years, and this may be one of the most egregious stories I've ever written. People are openly and brazenly calling for Whitmer's assassination. And there's an armed rally planned for Lansing on Thursday."
This private group with over 8,800 members was formed in January, before any restrictions.
His detailed expose says:
Assassinating Whitmer is a common theme among members of the groups. Dozens of people have called for her to be hanged. ...
On Sunday, after being contacted by Metro Times, Facebook removed one of the groups, Michigan United for Liberty, and deleted posts on others for violating the company’s policy against inciting violence. ...
The private Facebook groups are a hub for far-fetched conspiracy theories and disinformation, reinforcing people’s fears and anger. For some, the state’s stay-at-home order is an unconstitutional plot by liberals to strip residents of their freedoms and steal the election from President Trump.
Metro Times embeds a suggestion by Matthew Woodruff of Rochester Hills to "take up a collection for an assassin to put that woman from Michigan down." Two others, also quoted by name, suggest lynching the governor.
His investigative piece is well worth reading at the link below.
