On Apr. 30, hundreds of protesters headed straight to the Michigan Capitol, jamming inside the building where the lawmakers were slated to meet. Some of these protestors pushed inside while the Legislature was still discussing whether or not to extend Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's state of emergency, which was implemented to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.
Aside from holding signs, waving flags, some protesters carried firearms. Several objectors shouted "let us in," claiming it is the people's house and they cannot lock them out. The state police, along with sergeants-at-arms stopped others who were trying to get onto the House floor, NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit.
Referring to protestors carrying firearms, a state police spokesman told NBC News that people are allowed to carry firearms Michigan, provided it is done with lawful intent and the weapon isn't concealed. This protest was organized by Michigan United for Liberty, which described it as the American Patriot Rally, to demand the reopening of businesses.
Spearheaded by Republicans in both chambers, the state lawmakers refused to extend the state's emergency declaration on Thursday night even before it came to an end at midnight. On the contrary, they voted to file a lawsuit that challenges Whitmer's authority and actions to combat the coronavirus crisis.
In response to the lawsuit brought against him, the Democratic governor issued a set of new orders that include the continuation of the emergency. As if that weren't enough, the new orders also introduced 28-day states of emergency and disaster.
Following the Legislature's vote, Whitmer accused Republican lawmakers of putting more lives and livelihood in jeopardy, adding that he is not going to let that happen. Whitmer, who was strongly criticized for her strict stay-at-home orders, faced fierce backlash when she extended the order until May 15, while lifting some restrictions on public activities as the coronavirus cases stabilized in the state.
Michigan, however, is one of the most badly affected states with over 40,000 cases. The emergency declaration gave Whitmer authority to carry out executive orders during a crisis, but its extension is separate from that of the stay-at-home mandate.
Police took the temperatures of protestors who tried entering the Capitol using forehead thermometers, NBC affiliate WOOD of Grand Rapids reported. Many protestors were spotted donning "Make American Great Again" campaign hats, suggesting they support President Donald Trump.
Two girls were decided to put up a dance routine wearing masks that looked like Trump and former United States President Barack Obama.