{UAH} MICHIGAN STATE CAPITAL UNDER ATTACK

Hundreds of protesters, some carrying guns in the state Capitol, demonstrate against Michigan's emergency measures

Protesters held signs, waved American flags and even carried firearms as lawmakers debated extending Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's state of emergency.

 

April 30, 202000:37

April 30, 2020, 3:30 PM EDT

By Dartunorro Clark

Hundreds of people protested outside the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing on Thursday, with some pushing inside while the Legislature was debating an extension of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Protesters held signs, waved American flags and even carried firearms, while some chanted "Let us in!" and "This is the people's house, you cannot lock us out." Others tried to get onto the House floor but were blocked by state police and sergeants-at-arms, according to NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit.

A state police spokesman told NBC News that it is legal in Michigan to carry firearms as long as it is done with lawful intent and the weapon is visible.

Protest moves inside Michigan Capitol. Crowd attempts to get onto Hoise floor. Lots of Michigan State Police and House sergeants at arms blocking door. pic.twitter.com/4FNQpimP4W

— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) April 30, 2020

Michigan United for Liberty organized the protest, dubbed the American Patriot Rally, to call for the reopening of businesses.

State lawmakers are expected to vote on the 28-day extension of the state of emergency before it expires at midnight.

Whitmer, a Democrat who has faced fierce backlash for her strict stay-at-home mandate, extended the order earlier this month until May 15, but she eased some restrictions on public activities as the state's coronavirus cases stabilize. Michigan, however, still has more than 40,000 cases and is one of the hardest-hit states.

Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs

— Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020

The emergency declaration allows Whitmer to use her emergency powers to use executive orders during a crisis; its extension is separate from the extension of the stay-at-home order.

As the protests moved indoors from the rainy steps of the Capitol, police took the temperatures of those entering the building using forehead thermometers, according to NBC affiliate WOOD of Grand Rapids.

Officers took protestors temperatures as they entered the Capitol building in Lansing. pic.twitter.com/8sBngaYse0

— Leon Hendrix (@LeonHendrix) April 30, 2020

Like the "Operation Gridlock" demonstration April 15 over Whitmer's stay-at-home order, many demonstrators appeared to be supporters of President Donald Trump, donning "Make American Great Again" campaign hats and, in one instance, putting on a dance routine by two girls wearing masks that appeared to be of Trump and former President Barack Obama.

Now this is happening. pic.twitter.com/w1CkLB3T3s

— Leon Hendrix (@LeonHendrix) April 30, 2020

Republican lawmakers in Michigan, who control both chambers, have signaled that they would like to see the state safely reopen soon and have pushed back against Whitmer's request to extend her emergency declaration.

EM         -> { Trump for 2020 }

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