Michigan police, National Guard bolster presence around state capitol ahead of weekend protests
By Jack Nissen
LANSING, Mich. - Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have been deployed to the Michigan capital in anticipation of armed protests that will take place in Lansing over the weekend and potentially after.
The presence of Michigan State Poice has been increased while hundreds of Michigan National troops have been activated by the governor. Additionally, a perimeter fence will be erected around the Capitol building.
The measures taken by police are expected to be in place until mid-February.
Michigan State Police Col. Joseph Gasper
LANSING, Mich. (AP) There has been no specific threat of violence in the Michigan Capitol this weekend but law enforcement continues to monitor “chatter” after the FBI warned of plans for armed.
Credit Lester Graham / Michigan Radio
Two Democratic state senators have re-introduced legislation that would ban open and concealed firearms in the Michigan Capitol Building.
The ban would not apply to state law enforcement or Capitol security.
Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) and Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) initially introduced the bills on September 30, 2020. But the bills were not acted on.
Earlier this week the Michigan State Capitol Commission voted to ban only the open carry of guns. People with valid concealed pistol licenses can still carry them into the Capitol.
Amber McCann, spokesperson for Republican Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, said in an email that Sen. Shirkey supports a ban on open carry, but not on concealed carry. She did not provide further explanation.
Threats of violent cause safety concerns at the Capitol Building in Lansing
At least one Senator has protective riot gear at her desk
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LANSING, Mich. – Concerns at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing are on the rise amid chatter of widespread protests in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration on Jan. 20.
Under the recommendation of Michigan State Police, a six-foot tall fence around the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing will be completed Friday to guard against the possibility of violence.
Sen. Dayna Polehanki shopped at a military surplus store and brought a helmet, pepper spray and a gas mask to work Wednesday. They join the bulletproof vest she’s had under her desk for the past 10 months, since armed protesters carried guns into the Senate Gallery.
What are the top priorities for the new session of Michigan Congress?
Elected officials aim to restore trust in government again
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LANSING, Mich. – Representatives and Senators have big agendas and the last election is on the minds of many politicians.
The House took the Oath of Office as a group. It was the most substantive business conducted, as the first day is typically ceremonial, but that doesn’t mean the leadership is hesitant to steer legislative directions.
Newly ensconsed House Speaker Jason Wentworth said working to restore trust in politicians starts with adjusting the Lame Duck Sessions.
“I’m proposing a house floor legislation that says any bill considered after the November election in an even numbered year needs a two-thirds vote to pass,” Wentworth said. “This would create more transparency and help us make sure that anything that passes in lame duck has strong bipartisan support.”