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| Detroit Free Press
Armed protests in U.S. state capitals are expected ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration as president on Wednesday, according to the FBI. That will include Michigan, where protests could take place at the Lansing Capitol Building on Sunday. A self-proclaimed militia planned to show up, but the association – Southeast Michigan Militia – has since backed down on those plans. Michigan State Police increased their visibility at the Lansing Capitol following the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, and after the FBI warning.
The first sign to appear outside Capitol Hill paid tribute to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for his “leadership, grace and integrity.” Whitmer activated the National Guard on Friday in preparation for the protests expected on Sunday.
“Michigan State Police are leading security efforts in coordination with the Michigan National Guard and other public safety agencies,” Whitmer communications director Tiffany Brown said Friday. “The MSP has the Governor’s full confidence in his ability to protect the Capitol, the Capitol Complex, and the greater downtown area of Lansing.”
With the Michigan National Guard, there is a 6 foot fence around the Capitol. The Romney Building, where Whitmer and other state officials have offices, had its lower windows covered with planks.
From 10:20 a.m., everything is calm at the Capitol and its surroundings.
There aren’t many at the moment, but audience members are starts arriving at the Michigan Capitol. A couple from Greenville, for example, only traveled to Lansing because of their curiosity and the potential for a historic day.
Meanwhile, Michigan State Police officers gather their equipment near the Capitol.
The roads were closed from 9 a.m. and the police presence is expected to increase. Michigan State Police recently improved their visibility at the Lansing State Capitol, as a byproduct of the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC
“There will be a large law enforcement presence here,” Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said on Sunday. “A little more than what people are used to seeing. There will also be a lot of law enforcement here that no one can see. It’s a bit like fishing. We don’t hand out our bait. . We don’t. Give away where our fishing secrets are. Just know the Michigan Capitol is safe and law enforcement is there.
“We’re hoping for a very peaceful event today, (whether it’s) 1,000 people or it’s just us.”
The street in front of the Michigan Capitol remained open to traffic this morning, but that will change soon. From 9 a.m., the roads leading to and around the Capitol will be closed until further notice.
These streets will be closed: Ottawa Street (between Pine Street and Grand Avenue), Allegan Street (between Pine Street and Capitol Avenue), Capitol Avenue (between Ionia Street and Allegan Street), Walnut Street (between Ottowa Street and Washtenaw Street) and Townsend Street (between Allegan Street and Washtenaw Street).
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor issued a statement on Saturday morning, asking people to avoid the Capitol and surrounding areas due to the expected protests.
“In light of the protests expected on Capitol Hill this Sunday, I urge everyone to avoid coming to Capitol and surrounding areas,” Schor said. “Residents of downtown Lansing should consider planning in advance to stay indoors and avoid this outbreak. … I ask residents and those living in the Lansing area to stay out of the city. downtown and not to engage with protesters who come to our city with bad intentions. “
It is not known if and when the protesters will show up at the Capitol building, but the Lansing Police Department is expecting an event to start at noon. In addition, the aggressiveness of the potential demonstration is unknown.
Just after 8 a.m. Sunday, the Michigan Capitol is quiet with Michigan State Police guarding the area on foot. The George W. Romney Building – where the governor’s office is located – has planks on its lower windows. In recent days, several companies with office buildings in Lansing have decided to close the entrances and lower the windows.
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