Armed Michigan protestors descend on State Capitol to protest lockdown extension [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• People by the hundreds gathered in Michigan state Capitol to protest against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposal to extend emergency restrictions amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
• Some protesters were carrying guns, but police say firearms are legal to bring, provided it is not concealed.
• The number of coronavirus cases in Michigan now has reached more than 40,000.

On Thursday, around hundreds of Michigan residents demonstrated in Lansing, outside the Capitol state Capitol building.

Some protesters are trying to get inside the building while the Council was discussing the proposed state of emergency extension of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer against the coronavirus outbreak.

According to reports by WDIV-TV Detroit NBC affiliate, demonstrators brought American flags, placards, and some even had firearms, while shouting their objection against the state’s quarantine measures.  

Protesters were prevented by the sergeants-at-arms and police from entering the legislation hearing.

NBC News reported that a state police spokesman said it is legal to carry guns in Michigan provided that the weapon is not concealed and brought under lawful intent.

The Michigan United for Liberty initiated the protest, and they labeled it a patriot rally, calling for the reopening of the state and businesses.

The State legislators are to vote in favor of the state of emergency’s 28-day extension before the primary schedule ends at midnight.

Gov. Whitmer, a Democrat, has previously faced harsh criticism over her strict implementation of stay-at-home measures. Earlier this month, she moved to extend the restricted order until May 15,  and since the COVID-19 issue in the state has improved, the state has eased out some measures on public activities.

Currently, though, Michigan has no less than 40,000 cases of the highest across the nation.

While the recent move is detached from the stay-at-home order extension, the state of crisis gives authority to Whitmer to utilize her emergency powers to implement executive orders amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

NBC affiliate in Grand Rapids, WOOD-TV,  reported that the demonstrators pushed to get indoors from outside of the Capitol building; police officers use a forehead thermo-scanner to take temperatures of those entering the structure.

Similar to the demonstration last April 15 against the stay-at-home orders of Gov. Whitmer, many protesters were observed to be President Donald Trump’s supporters, putting on campaign hats that say “Make American Great Again.”

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers control both legislatures in Michigan, have indicated that they would not be in favor of emergency measures extension requested by Whitmer, saying that they are looking at the possible safe reopening of the state. 

Source: AOL