| Detroit Free Press
Armed demonstrations in the state capitals of the United States are expected until Joe Biden takes office as president on Wednesday, according to the FBI. This will include Michigan, where demonstrations may take place on Sunday in the Lansing Capitol building. A self-styled militia group was planning to appear, but the association – Southeast Michigan Militia – reversed those plans. Michigan State Police increased their visibility on the Capitol in Lansing after the January 6 deadly riot at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, and after the FBI’s warning.
The first sign to appear outside Capitol Hill paid tribute to Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer for her “leadership, grace and integrity”. On Friday, Whitmer activated the National Guard in preparation for the expected Sunday protests.
“The Michigan State Police are leading security efforts in coordination with the Michigan National Guard and other public security agencies,” said Whitmer’s director of communications, Tiffany Brown, on Friday. “The MSP has the Governor’s full confidence in its ability to protect the Capitol building and the Capitol complex and the central area of Greater Lansing.”
Along 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 their lower windows boarded up.
As of 10:20, everything is calm in the Capitol and its surroundings.
There are not many now, but the public is starting to arrive at the Michigan Capitol. A couple from Greenville, for example, only traveled to Lansing because of curiosity and the potential for a historic day.
Meanwhile, Michigan state police are gathering their equipment near the Capitol.
Roads close after 9 am and police presence is expected to increase. The Michigan State Police recently increased their visibility at the Capitol in Lansing, as a by-product of the January 6 riot at the US Capitol in Washington, DC
“There will be a large police presence here,” Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said on Sunday. “A little more than people are used to seeing. There will also be a lot of policemen around here that no one will be able to see. It’s like fishing. We don’t distribute our bait. Don’t disclose where our fishing secrets are. Know that the Michigan Capitol is insurance and law enforcement is here.
“We hope for a very peaceful event today, (be it) 1,000 people or if it’s just us.”
The street in front of the Michigan Capitol remained open to traffic this morning, but that will change soon. From 9am, the roads leading to the Capitol and around it 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).
Mayor of Lansing, Andy Schor released a statement on Saturday morning, asking people to avoid the Capitol and its surroundings because of the expected protests.
“In light of the demonstrations expected at the Capitol Building this Sunday, I ask everyone to avoid coming to the Capitol and the surrounding area,” said Schor. “Residents of downtown Lansing should consider planning ahead to stay indoors and avoid this demonstration. … I am asking residents and those living in the Lansing area to stay outside the city center and not get involved with protesters who come to our city with bad intentions. “
It is unclear if and when the protesters will show up at the Capitol building, but the Lansing Police Department is waiting for an event planned to start at noon. In addition, the aggressiveness of the potential demonstration is unknown.
Shortly after 8 am on Sunday, the Michigan Capitol is silent with the Michigan State Police guarding the area on foot. The George W. Romney Building – where the governor’s office is located – has planks in your lower windows. In the past few days, several companies with office buildings in Lansing have decided to close the entrances and lower the windows.