U.S. News

Fiery Protests Break Out in Michigan Against COVID Stay-At-Home Order

Thousands, Many With Firearms, Gathered in the Michigan State Capitol

Reporter Tyler Bagent

On April 30th, 2020, thousands gathered in and around the Michigan State Capitol to protest Coronavirus Restrictions put in place by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), as a vote was preparing to take place on whether to extend Whitmer’s emergency powers. This comes as massive demonstrations continue to take place across the nation.

During this protest, these protesters (few wearing masks, mostly packed tightly) attempted to enter the Michigan State House Chamber, chanting “Let Us In! Let Us In!” as the House debated whether to extend or suspend Whitmer’s emergency powers to keep the Stay-At-Home order in place. While Armed Protesters made it into the State Senate Chamber, the House was guarded by State Police and other Staff. Outside the Capitol, thousands gathered with firearms and signs, some displaying vulgar messages such as “Tyrants Get The Rope” and “Heil Whitmer.” On a protest on May 15th, protesters used a barbie doll on a noose, and imagery with Governor Whitmer made to look like Adolf Hitler saying “Tyranny has a Face.”

These protests took much support and backlash across the nation. President Trump tweeted his support of them saying “The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.” However, others such as Former 2016 Democratic Nominee Hillary Clinton slammed these protests, calling them “domestic terrorism.”

These protests come as thousands of others protest across the nation against Coronavirus restrictions. Cities such as Los Angeles, Columbus, Austin, and others have seen anti-lockdown rallies. Even if discouraged by medical professionals, these lockdown protests seem to have no end in the near future.