Planned protests Thursday in Lansing against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order extension may look a little different than the one two weeks ago that made national headlines when people showed up with guns and entered the capitol.
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The Michigan State Police released a series of Tweets detailing their security plan and intentions to make arrests if people brandish a gun in a manner that intimidates others, even though Michigan is an open-carry state.
The Michigan State Police is expecting demonstrators at the Capitol tomorrow. Lieutenants Oleksyk and Robinson are here today to provide public information about what you can expect from us and what we expect from anyone in attendance. pic.twitter.com/7BlTV0x4wL
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) May 13, 2020
“You’re going to see a lot of police presence,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Brian Oleksyk in a video posted on Twitter.
Let’s work together. If you’re planning to attend the demonstration tomorrow, here’s what you can expect to see from the MSP. pic.twitter.com/vOwfJIUBia
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) May 13, 2020
Protestors plan to demonstrate at the capitol from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MSP said officers will be wearing masks and encourage everyone to do the same.
Lieutenant Robinson discusses the open-carry of firearms and the consequences for anyone who brandishes a firearm. pic.twitter.com/suugoN9Nze
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) May 13, 2020
On April 30, demonstrators protesting Whitmer’s stay-at-home order entered the senate public gallery, some carrying guns, and demanded to be allowed inside.
On Monday, The Michigan State Capitol Commission delayed a vote on banning firearms from the capitol, instead vowed to form a task force to study the issue.
Their decision came after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a formal opinion that the commission could ban guns.
On the following day, Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) introduced a resolution urging the Michigan State Capitol Commission to ban guns in the Capitol.
“We support both First and Second Amendment rights here in Michigan,” Polehanki said, “but intimidating legislators, staff and visitors—many of whom are children—with guns is an affront to the Democratic process.”
