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| Detroit Free Press
Fears of mayhem at the Lansing Capitol appeared to be exaggerated as no issues were reported on Sunday during a small protest.
A dozen self-proclaimed members of Boogaloo Bois openly carried rifles and handguns, but no shots were fired and no altercations were reported. They wore masks as they spoke briefly outside the fence that surrounded the Capitol building. They condemned the government’s excesses and insisted that they still intended a peaceful protest.
By late afternoon, the rally had reflected the day’s weather, a drizzle rather than a storm.
The protesters never seemed to be more than 100 at a time and for much of the day they were outnumbered by police officers, in uniform and in civilian clothes, as well as members of the news media, some of which were accompanied by security details.
The international reach of the media presence was evident in the overseas accents heard among reporters.
A State Police helicopter flew over most of the day, but things on the ground were mostly calm. No song was heard. No megaphone was used.
Some of those present said they were there to support President Donald Trump.
More: Lansing Capitol protest live updates: no violence, no arrests
More: Photos: Demonstration at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing
“We cannot hide and not support our president,” said Kyle Lapre from southern Lyon, who wore a sweatshirt that read “Fight for Trump”. “There is a strong movement in the United States”
A potential entrepreneur attempted to sell Trump flags and garden signs near rallies. He rolled his goods near the protest in a trash can like the ones owners put on the sidewalk on garbage day.
He didn’t have many takers and quickly left.
An FBI warning earlier in the week that there could be violent protests in state capitals across the country prompted Lansing officials to take precautions.
“We want to make it a safe environment for people to come here to express their constitutional rights,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Brian Oleksyk. “We don’t know how many people are going to attend, how many groups or which groups. … But we are prepared to protect this building and the people who are here. We are not going to tolerate any kind of violence, anything. type of destruction of property, any assault on police (or) other persons here expressing their constitutional rights, as well as the media. “
Buildings near the Capitol have been barricaded to protect their windows. The police blocked some streets in the city center. The National Guard was on standby with Armored Humvees ready, but in the end it was a calm day.
Free Press reporters Elisha Anderson, Dave Boucher, Jennifer Dixon, Paul Egan, Joe Guillen and Christine MacDonald contributed to this report.
Contact John Wately: 313-222-6825 or [email protected]. On Twitter @jwately
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