Protesters gathered at the capitol again Thursday — they’re speaking out against Governor Whitmer’s extended state of emergency request.
Hundreds of people were outside the Capitol building before 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Some protesters could be seen not wearing masks or social distancing as instructed by the governor's executive order. Protesters not practicing safety precautions were subject to facing fines.
Promoting the event was difficult because Facebook deleted the event posting , saying it ignored the state’s social distancing guidelines.
Still, protesters showed up. Just Wednesday in Lansing — we saw some social unrest in the house gallery.
Michigan State Police are investigating what led up to this scuffle Wednesday in the Michigan house gallery.
Three women were removed, one in an ambulance — no arrests were made.
According to Attorney General Dana Nessel, those not wearing a mask or adhering to social distancing guidelines would receive a warning before a ticket could be written.
Lansing Mayor @andyschor urges those participating in today's protest to not block traffic & to follow social distancing. See a portion release below @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/3Fau8Qv51g
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) April 30, 2020
It comes just a day before another planned protest at the state capitol over COVID-19-related restrictions.
“We want Michigan open, we want Michigan back to work," said Jason Howland, a protest organizer.
This time, the protest is over the governor’s push to extend Michigan’s state of emergency.
READ: Here are the differences between the Michigan's state of emergency and stay-at-home order
“We put the event together, we put it on Facebook, and we heard that they were taking down events that had to do with protests or rallies against the wishes of Whitmer," said Howland.
Those attending this morning's protest who choose NOT to practice social distancing could face a ticket. The Capitol Lawn is under @MSPFirstDist however @LansingPolice are assisting. Per @dananessel a warning must be issued before a ticket is written @wxyzdetroit
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) April 30, 2020
Facebook did take down the event posting, but the company says it’s because the event would have defied government guidance on social distancing, something protesters were
criticized over two weeks ago during “Operation Gridlock.”
“If I go to a protest social distancing and follow the rules created by the people I'm protesting against, I look pretty silly at the end of the day I feel," said Howland.
No word yet on how big this protest is expected to be.
Previously, we’ve seen signs and have spoken to protesters who argue restrictions like the stay-at-home order, are unconstitutional — the governor has even been sued over it.
RELATED STORIES:
- 5 Michigan businesses sue Gov. Whitmer claiming executive orders violate constitutional rights
- Four Michigan residents sue Gov. Whitmer over stay-at-home order
But the courts sided with Whitmer saying the order does not infringe on people’s constitutional rights .
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