Gov. Whitmer says racism was present in Michigan protests

People in Michigan have protested restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, and during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that racists were involved.

"There were swastikas and Confederate flags and nooses and people with assault rifles," Whitmer said while responding to a question about armed protestors at the state capitol. She added, "that's a small group of people when you think about the fact this is a state of almost 10 million people, the vast majority of whom are doing the right thing."

The governor later noted: "Some of the outrageousness of what happened at our capitol this week, you know depicted some of the worst racism and, and awful parts of our history in this country. You know the Confederate flags and nooses, the swastikas, the you know behavior that you've seen in all of the clips is not representative of who we are in Michigan."

Whitmer defended her decisions regarding COVID-19 restrictions, and said she is doing what is in the best interest of public health.

"Whether you agree with me or not I'm working to protect your life if you live in the state of Michigan," she said.