Protestors armed with guns stormed the Michigan State Capitol on Thursday, moments before the state House of Representatives denied Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer‘s request to extend the statewide state of emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Photos and video footage from inside showed elected officials wearing bulletproof vests, while protestors failed to practice social distancing.

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Michigan currently has over 42,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 4,000 deaths.

“Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us,” tweeted State Sen. Dayna Polehanki. “Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today.”

The American Patriot Rally, organized by Michigan United for Liberty, drew hundreds of residents who held anti-Whitmer and pro-Trump signs outside the Capitol building.

In Michigan, guns are allowed in the state Capitol, but must be visible and carried with lawful intent.

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Katherine Huggins

Article by Katherine Huggins