Lawmakers brace for violence at state Capitol
Michigan state lawmakers are bracing for the possibility of armed protests at the state’s Capitol this weekend and into next week through Inauguration Day, as advisories are issued by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials who continue to monitor the situation.
After insurrectionists backing President Trump overran law enforcement and breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, forcing lawmakers into hiding as they sought to certify the Electoral College votes in each state, some governors and lawmakers began ramping up security because of online threats suggesting that more mobs could tar
get state capitols. The FBI has opened “numerous investigations” in Michigan into the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, says Tim Waters of the FBI Detroit Division.
Tiffany Brown, communications director for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, told The Oakland Press Friday that the governor has activated the Michigan National Guard to assist the Michigan State Police (MSP), and local law enforcement, including the Lansing Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, in preparing for the possibility of armed protests on Sunday and to provide further protections of the State Capitol, the Capitol grounds, and greater downtown Lansing in the coming weeks.
On Friday, MSP officials announced that the state police would be increasing its uniformed presence, almost on a daily basis, and that it will continue near the State Capitol and in downtown Lansing through at least midFebruary as tips of potential protests continue to be reviewed. The number of additional MSP officers, National Guardsmen, and type of unseen safety measures being implemented will not be disclosed by officials for security reasons as MSP began monitoring online chatter about planned protests 7-10 days ago.
One of those seen safety measures is the installation of six-foot tall fence around the state Capitol building to guard against the possibility of violence. Police officials said they firmly support First and Second Amendment rights, but are advising those that plan to protest to “do it safely” while respecting the State Capitol and the city of Lansing.
Some Oakland County state lawmakers are expressing concerns for their own safety as session plans to meet next week. Some have even obtained bulletproof vests as an added safety measure.
Sen. Rosemary Bayer (DBeverly Hills) told The Oakland Press that she obtained a bulletproof vest last spring from local law enforcement and keeps it under her desk at the State Capitol, adding, “Things are too hot right now. It slips over my head so I can put it on fast, but with the threats this week, I’d like to be prepared as possible.”
“I will definitely wear it all the time if we go into session next week,” she said.
This week, Bayer and Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) reintroduced legislation to prohibit both open and concealed carry of firearms in the Michigan State Capitol Building. This comes days after the Michigan Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban open carry inside the Michigan State Capitol Building. Polehanki wore her bulletproof vest, also obtained through a local police agency, last week on the Senate Floor.
State Rep. Kyra Bolden (DSouthfield) also said she has personal safety concerns, but has had them since before last spring, when armed protestors stormed the State Capitol.
“I don’t know a colleague of mine who hasn’t received a death threat at this point,” she said. “Myself and several other colleagues are obtaining bulletproof bests to make sure we are personally safe if anything were to occur.”
MSP officials have met with leadership in both the House and Senate with discussions ongoing about modifying the session schedule. Based on information obtained by MSP, officials are advising leadership to modify the session schedule next week.
On Friday afternoon, House Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey announced the cancellation of session next week amid credible threats targeting the State Capitol.
Law enforcement is also encouraging residents to report suspicious and unusual activity. Tips can be submitted 24/7 by calling 1-(855)-MICHTIP or submitting online at www.michigan.gov/MichTip. For matters that require immediate assistance, call 9-1-1.
Bolden told The Oakland Press that she was concerned for her personal safety and the safety of her colleagues before April 30, but “definitely since that day and that has not changed because our measures have largely not changed even with death threats and threats of violence having escalated since that point.”