FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear condemned right-wing militia groups after 13 men were charged in state and federal court for allegedly trying to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“These groups are not freedom fighters, they are terrorists,” Beshear said. “They are not security forces, they are threats to our nation. So this nation and every single one of its leaders, including everyone here in Kentucky, must in one voice denounce all of these groups.”

Both Beshear and Whitmer received criticism for their coronavirus restrictions, and the criminal complaint filed against six of the suspects in Michigan federal court indicates Whitmer’s decisions fueled the violent plot.

“At one point, several members talked about state governments they believed were violating the U.S. Constitution, including the government of Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer,” the criminal complaint said. “Several members talked about murdering ‘tyrants’ or ‘taking’ a sitting governor.”

Beshear said similar so-called militia groups have tried to intimidate him, whether that be hanging him in effigy on the Capitol lawn or making threats on social media.

Beshear said he won’t let pressure like that get to him.

“Those that want to try to use fear to get me or others in this government to do the wrong thing, that is not going to work,” Beshear said. “I ran for this job to do the right thing and I’m not going to let people bully me. If I did, they would try to bully everybody else in this state.”

Beshear said he has no plans to boost his personal security team or police presence at the Capitol.