Tal Axelrod
The HillFri, 01 May 2020 18:02 UTC
© REUTERS/Seth HeraldProtesters in Michigan's state capitol building on Thursday.
Hundreds were seen protesting at the Michigan state capitol in Lansing, with some armed demonstrators pushing inside as the legislature discussed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D) state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.
Protesters brandished firearms, signs and American flags inside the statehouse, chanting "Let us in!" The protest marked just the latest action against Whitmer's policies intended to blunt the coronavirus's spread.
The protest, named the "American Patriot Rally," was set up by Michigan United for Liberty and was meant as a call for legislators to allow businesses that have been shuttered to reopen.
Whitmer has faced sharp criticism over her handling of the coronavirus as protesters hammer her strict stay-at-home mandate, which has been extended to May 15. Whitmer has eased some restrictions, though the state still has more than 41,000 confirmed coronavirus
cases.
The governor's emergency declaration, an extension of which was being debated Thursday, grants Whitmer emergency powers to use in times of crisis.
Republicans, who control both chambers of the state legislature, have indicated they want an expedited reopening of the state.
The protests across the country appear to have been formed along partisan lines, with several demonstrators in Michigan and at other rallies sporting Trump campaign paraphernalia.
Comment: Trump enlarges his base
in Michigan - 'These are very good people':
US President Donald Trump has instructed Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to "make a deal" with the protesters who have been demonstrating against her decision to prolong the state's coronavirus lockdown measures.
While the atmosphere has been fraught in Michigan's state capitol, President Trump suggested that the matter could be resolved quite easily in a tweet on Friday.
It comes after crowds of protesters, some carrying weapons, attended the state capitol in Lansing on Thursday to voice their opposition to the state of emergency being prolonged. The measures have now provoked weeks of protests in Michigan.
The demonstration in the capitol prompted a frantic reaction amongst Democrats and in the mainstream media, with many attempting to portray it as a white nationalist insurrection.
Michigan's state house and senate voted against extending the emergency order which was due to expire at midnight on Thursday. However, following those votes Governor Whitmer, a Democrat and a staunch Trump critic, signed three new executive orders, which she said were necessary in order to "continue fighting Covid-19 and save lives."
The move sparked an outcry from lawmakers and residents with Rep. Lee Chatfield, speaker of the Michigan House, arguing that the governor had failed to uphold the democratic process.
IF the cops are stupid enough to take them by force? Watch out.
Of course, this is PERFECT TIME for the PTB to pull a false flag confusion situation.