(WWJ) A group of armed civilians attending a protest in Lansing Thursday say their objective is "to keep the peace."
That's according to a member of the "Michigan Liberty Militia," who spoke with WWJ's Charlie Langton as around 150 people rallied on the State Capitol grounds.
"We are here as observers," said the Barry County man, with a rifle trapped to his chest. waving a black and white Gadsden flag. "We are here to keep the peace and make sure everybody has a right to peacefully assemble. We are here to make sure that everybody here stays peaceful."
"We are not here as protesters whatsoever," added, the man, who did not provide his name. "We have nothing to do with this rally. We are here strictly to keep the peace."
What about people who say guns brought to the Capitol are meant to intimidate? "I'd say if you are intimidated by that, you need to get educated," he said.
Most people Langton talked were there to protest coronavirus-related executive orders by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; many of which believe go too far, or have stretched too long.
Kerry Gabriel Knight of Muskegon brought with him a wooden jail he says symbolizes the jail that Whitmer has put him in through executive orders.
Langton asked Knight what he thought about people bringing guns to these rallies.
"Oh, I'm actually carrying one myself," Knight said. "I am exempt; I am an corrections officer for the State of Michigan, I am law enforcement. I am also a veteran Desert Storm, Desert Shield. I fought for this country, I am willing to die for this country; I have never stopped my vows. I am here to protect the Constitution of the United States."
Mike Gibson of St. John said he believes that Whitmer's orders violate what he called "natural law."
"Natural law is, for the most part, that we're all endowed by our creator with certain with certain rights," Gibson said. "So (under) natural law, any law created by man cannot violate natural law."
On the other side of the issue, John Roose from Kalamazoo carried a sign saying the governor's orders save lives.
Speaking to Langton, he questioned why anyone would come armed to a peaceful demonstration.
"I am here today because I think Donald Trump is a Voodoo president. I have nothing against these protesters, but when they bring guns to the Capitol, there's no reason for that. We have State Police to protect us," he said. "Not to the Capitol. You wanna go hunting? You wanna go to the gun range? You wanna do that? That's fine. But why bring them to ths State Capitol?"
Amid a lot of tension and debate regarding about firearms inside the Capitol building; the issue was a moot one today. Michigan State Police said members of the public would not be allowed into the building because the Legislature is not in session. During previous protests, legislators and other employees working at the Capitol expresses that they were concerned for their wellbeing.
As for the Capitol lawn and surrounding area, there was a significant Michigan State Police presence — with boots on the ground, a chopper in the sky, and some troopers on bikes.
While Langton described the overall scene as "orderly," State Police said there was on issue to report.
Police said there was an incident between two demonstrators in which one of them tried to take a sign out of another demonstrator's hand. Although one of the people involved was armed with an ax, there were no injuries and no arrests were made, police said. (More on that here).
State Police Col. Joe Gasper earlier reminded residents that laws will be enforced at these rallies.
"We're asking the public to partner with us to ensure the Capitol remains a safe forum for everyone," said Gasper. "While our desire is to interfere as little as possible in demonstrations, we will not allow unlawful, threatening or intimidating behavior. Based on safety concerns expressed following previous demonstrations, attendees can expect to see an increased MSP presence on Thursday."
For those who choose to attend these protests, police ask hat everyone adhere to social distancing guidelines, including standing six feet apart from others, and wearing a mask. It appeared Thursday that some people were complying with those guidelines, and others were not.
