(WWJ) Attendees chanting, singing and waving flags — another protest was held Thursday in Lansing.
Chanting "vote no," a group of a couple of hundred people gathered outside the Capitol building, where lawmakers were expected to consider a request by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to extend the state of emergency in Michigan a further 28 days.
The emergency declaration, which was slated to expire on Thursday, allows the government to take special actions to deal with a crisis. It is separate from Whitmer's stay-at-home order, which does not expire until May 15.
While some protesters were on foot, gathered in groups in defiance of social distancing guidelines, others remained in their vehicles; honking their horns as they drove by.
One man held a sign that reads: "Whitmer, Kiss My Non-Essential A$$." Other signs displayed the slogans: "Return Our Freedom," "Set Us Free," and "Give Me Government Distancing."
The group wants an end to what they call "the shutdown" of Michigan under the governor's orders, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Protesters, unhappy with Gov. Whitmer's executive actions, say they want businesses reopened, and that they have the right to return to work.
There was some dancing, and some apparent open-carry demonstrations, too.
Democratic Senator Dayna Polehanki of Livonia tweeted a photo of heavily-armed protestors inside the building, noting: "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."
Some of the protestors, who were blocked from entering the House chamber by State Police, chanted: "Let us in, let us in!"
Those promoting the protest on social media called it the "American Patriot Rally."
"Calling all patriots who feel the governor's executive order is excessive and overreaching," an event posting reads. "This is THE big event! Get there early 8am, park as close as possible and walk to the capital building. This Thursday April 30th. America's Sheriff David Clark will be delivering a speech, along with several small business owners and individuals who have been hurt by this excessive quarantine, lost their business, or are unable to get 'nonessential' surgeries."
While the governor said this is a public health issue, not a political issue, protesters like Larry Parsons of Fenton are not convinced. "Oh, she's just playing politics; she's not fooling anybody," he told WWJ Newsradio 950's Ron Dewey. "You know, the people of Michigan aren't stupid, and she shouldn't treat us like we are."
The governor said Wednesday that while businesses in the state will gradually reopen — beginning with residential and commercial construction next week — Michigan remains State of Emergency due to the coronavirus.
The Republican-led Michigan House ultimately refused to vote on the state of emergency, although Whitmer said the state of emergency will continue regardless because of another law giving her broad powers to act.
Whitmer continues to insist that all of her orders and decisions amid the pandemic have been made on advice and data from medical experts, and are meant to keep people safe.
"This is not a political conversation; this is not a political negotiation. This is about the public health," Whitmer said Wednesday, "We can't make decisions based on feeling and fear; we have to go with the facts and the science. Lives are depending on this. And ultimately our economic health is depending health depends on us getting the right."
In advance of Thursday's rally, the Lansing Police Department, Lansing Fire Department and Lansing Public Service Department said they would collaborate to ensure public safety and traffic flow are kept throughout the city. "I am disappointed that people continue to come to Lansing and gather at the Capitol and put themselves, as well as Lansing residents, at risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. We all need to be practicing social distancing by staying home or only working essential jobs in our own communities to ensure that we beat this virus," said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. "The governor's Executive Order recognizes that people are still allowed to exercise their First Amendment right to freedom of speech, and the City of Lansing understands the resources that are necessary to ensure a safe environment throughout the City during these protests. LPD, LFD and our Public Service Department have plans for large group protests, should they be needed."
While the curve flattens, the numbers still climb. Detroit has reached the grim milestone of more than 1,000 deaths, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. As of Wednesday, there are now 40,399 confirmed cases, and 3,670 deaths reported statewide amid the pandemic.
