Michigan AG: Fake electors were ‘brainwashed’ to support Trump, per report.

Michigan Attorney ‍General Dana Nessel: Fake Electors Were “Brainwashed” and Still Believe They’re‍ Right

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently spoke at a virtual​ event‍ hosted by Protectors of Equality in Government, where she discussed the “messaging” surrounding the 2020 ​election. ⁤Nessel had previously charged 16 individuals who signed letters claiming that former President Donald Trump had won the election.‍ During her speech, Nessel expressed her belief that these fake electors were “brainwashed” and continue to hold onto their misguided convictions.

“People talk a lot about, oh, ‘Why don’t you start flipping some of those people so⁣ that they can ‌become witnesses against the remaining defendants, the worst-acting defendants?’ The problem⁤ is, these are ⁣people who have been brainwashed.”

“How do you flip someone who concedes that they did everything⁤ that they’re accused of doing, ⁣but what they say⁢ is, ‘We believe​ that we were in the right. ⁢We think that Donald Trump is the real winner of the election’?”

In July, ‍Nessel announced charges against Kathleen Berden, ⁣William Choate, Amy Marie Facchinello, Clifford Frost Jr., Stanley Grot, John Haggard, Mari-ann McQuater Henry, Timothy King, Michele Goder Lundgren, Meshawn Maddock, James Robbins ⁤Renner, Mayra Adela Rodriguez, Rose Rook, Marian Sheridan, ‌Kenneth Thompson, ⁢and Kent Vanderwood. These individuals were‍ each charged with eight felony counts, including forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, and⁤ election law forgery. The charges carry severe penalties, including potential jail sentences of up ​to 14 years and/or a $10,000‌ fine.

Nessel​ acknowledged that some of the fake electors⁢ genuinely believe that Trump won the election, making it challenging to convince them to plead guilty. She highlighted the case of Michele Goder Lundgren, a 73-year-old photographer from Detroit, who claimed she was deceived by a lawyer into signing a notecard. However, Nessel ⁣dismissed Lundgren’s claims, stating that her office has evidence proving that the electors‍ were aware of their actions and knowingly signed on as fake electors.

All 16 electors have pleaded not guilty to the charges,‍ with some ‍of them continuing to spread false claims about the 2020 election. Hearings for these cases are scheduled for October and November, as they progress toward trials.

Nessel also discussed the Democratic-leaning jury pool in Lansing, where the charges were filed, and compared it to the recent ⁣acquittal of three men involved in the plot to kidnap Governor ⁤Gretchen Whitmer. She expressed concern that some individuals may disregard​ the clear violation of ⁤the law due to their belief that the ends ⁢justify⁣ the⁣ means.

Kevin Kijewski, an attorney for Clifford Frost, criticized Nessel’s remarks, finding them “disturbing.” He believes that some‌ of her comments could potentially ​aid in fighting the charges, as they appear to be more politically motivated than focused on seeking the truth and ensuring ⁣a fair trial.

Read more: The Washington Examiner

How does the Attorney General’s prosecution of these fake electors underscore ⁢the importance of combating misinformation and conspiracy ⁢theories in our democratic process

Y Grot, ‍Brenda⁢ Holland, Anthony Kern, Erik Kiilunen, Matthew Strack, Perry Sturges, Timothy ‌White, Mary Crim Brooks, Marian Sheridan, William Seimetz, Robert Davis, and Lina Garcia ⁢as ⁢part of an‌ investigation into false⁤ statements made⁢ by individuals who claimed ‌to be electors for the state of Michigan.

The charges stemmed from a series of letters sent ⁣to various state and federal officials in December 2020, in which these individuals falsely ​claimed that Donald Trump had won the election in Michigan and requested⁤ that Congress refuse to ⁤certify the Electoral College results. The letters were debunked and proven‍ to be fraudulent, as Michigan had already‌ certified ​Joe Biden’s victory in the state.

During her speech, Nessel emphasized⁢ the danger of misinformation and the impact it ⁣can have on individuals’ beliefs and actions. She explained that these⁢ individuals were not‍ simply lying or trying to deceive others, ⁣but genuinely believed in their false claims‍ due to the​ extensive misinformation and conspiracy‍ theories ⁤that circulated during​ and⁤ after the election.

Nessel pointed out‍ the challenge in holding these individuals accountable for their actions. While some might⁤ argue for flipping them as witnesses against other defendants, Nessel​ argued that it is difficult ⁢to ‍do​ so when they genuinely believe they were in​ the right. These individuals did not deny committing ​the acts ⁣they​ were accused of but held steadfast in ‍their belief that Donald Trump was the true⁣ winner of the election.

The Attorney General’s remarks shed ​light on the danger of misinformation and how it can lead individuals ‌to hold onto false beliefs, even⁤ in the face of overwhelming evidence. Nessel emphasized the importance of addressing and combating misinformation to prevent further instances where individuals are manipulated or deceived ‌into supporting false claims.

Nessel’s investigation and charges against these fake electors serve as a​ reminder that spreading​ false ‌information and⁢ attempting to undermine ‌the democratic process has consequences. ⁣It is critical for law enforcement and‌ the justice ‍system‍ to hold individuals accountable for their actions, ensuring the⁢ integrity of elections‌ and democracy as a whole.

As the nation​ works to ​rebuild trust in its democratic institutions, addressing misinformation and conspiracy theories becomes paramount. It requires a comprehensive ⁤approach involving education,‌ media literacy, and ‍holding those ‌who knowingly spread misinformation accountable for their actions.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s efforts to prosecute⁤ and condemn those who propagated false claims about the 2020 election ‍demonstrate a commitment ⁢to‍ the⁤ rule ⁢of‌ law and the pursuit of justice. By holding these individuals accountable, ‍she sends⁢ a clear message that the⁣ spread of misinformation, no matter how deeply held the beliefs may be, will ⁢not go unpunished.

In a time where​ the⁢ truth can be obscured by a deluge of misinformation, it⁤ is⁢ crucial for ⁣public officials like​ Nessel to stand‌ up for the integrity of the electoral process and the foundations of democracy. By shedding⁢ light on the tactics used ‍by these ⁢fake electors and ​labeling their actions as brainwashing, Nessel encourages⁤ a critical‍ examination of the sources of information we consume and a commitment⁢ to facts and evidence. Only through this commitment can we ensure a future where the⁢ democratic⁤ process ⁢remains free from manipulation ⁤and deceit.