Armed protesters stormed the Trump-backed state assembly – NRK Urix – Foreign News & Documentary

Dozens of protesters gathered in the lobby of the state assembly in Lansing, the capital of Michigan, demanding entry into the main hall.

They were detained by the police and responded by shouting slogans about tyranny, fraud and the rights of the people. One of them called “Heil Whitmer” with reference to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Senator Dayna Polehanki was present, tweeting that several of her colleagues were wearing bulletproof vests.

There were several protesters outside the building. One of them carried a poster with Governor Whitmer as Adolf Hitler.

Others lined up with southern state flags and posters bearing slogans about the right to bear arms, support for Donald Trump, that the virus is a bluff and that Bill Gates is evil.

On Friday, Trump commented on the appearance on Twitter.

“The Michigan governor should give something and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want to get their lives back safely! Get to know them, talk to them, make a deal,” writes Trump.

Refuses to accept infection control measures.

According to CNN, between 400 and 700 protesters were present. Several of them are represented with different types of automatic rifles.

According to AFP, the demonstration was organized by a group calling itself Michigan United for Liberty. They write on their Facebook page that they do not accept that their rights are violated for any reason, nor the crown pandemic.

The day before the rally, a Michigan court ruled that measures to prevent infection do not violate residents’ constitutional rights.

Whitmer has already signed an extension of the restrictions, which will now last until May 15.

– Covid-19 is an enemy that has killed more people in Michigan than the number we lost in the Vietnam War. Although some members of the congregation may think the crisis is over, both common sense and scientific data tell us that we are not out of it yet, Whitmer says.

According to John Hopkins University, more than 3,500 people have died as a result of Covid-19 in Michigan so far.

Trump called for Michigan “liberation”

There have been protests in several states in the US. USA After the government and governors introduced strict measures against pollution.

Two weeks ago, armed protesters appeared at various state assemblies and blocked traffic. They received the support of Trump, who called for the “liberation” of three states, including Michigan.

That led Washington Governor Jay Inslee to accuse Trump of calling for riots, spreading lies and undermining the rest of the government.

Several of the groups behind the protests must have been supported by right-wing organizations, militias, religious fundamentalists and opponents of vaccines.

Trump has repeatedly called on governors to ease the restrictions, despite the fact that this contradicts government guidelines.

Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan is considered a possible candidate for Joe Biden’s vice presidency, and is very unpopular with some Trump supporters.