At least one state senator expressed worry when she saw demonstrators shouting and carrying firearms in the public gallery.
A large number of vehicles blocked most of Allegan Avenue, which runs by the side of the Capitol.
Whitmer said Wednesday that Michigan's stay-at-home order, and the willingness of the vast majority of Michiganders to follow it, has helped the state significantly flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections. But she warned that reopening the economy too quickly risks a second spike of infections that would be even more economically damaging than the first outbreak.
Dubbed the"American Patriot Rally," Thursday's demonstration brought together members of conservative groups, militias, proponents of open carry of firearms, people protesting abortion rights, and anti-vaccination protesters, plus many Michiganders who said they were not associated with any group but believe the stay-at-home order goes too far.
"I feel strongly about the Constitution," Lowry said."It doesn't matter what is going on – we always have our liberties." "This is flat-out tyranny," said Moehlman, who was not wearing a mask."They're robbing our freedom right from under our eyes."
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