Michigan Capitol braces for Sunday protests: Follow updates

Armed protests expected Sunday in Lansing

Michigan National Guard at the state Capitol on Jan. 17, 2021. (WDIV)

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan law enforcement agencies are on high alert for expected armed protests at the Capitol in Lansing starting on Sunday.

Michigan State Police, working with the Michigan National Guard and the FBI, have stepped up security around the Capitol and in surrounding areas, like Downtown Lansing.

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The FBI warned that armed protests are planned at all 50 state capitols leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration -- with protests expected Sunday in Michigan’s capital city.

The Lansing Capitol Building will be closed over the weekend, and lawmakers will not be in session, amid the expected protests. The city is also preparing for any potential violence that may occur during the protest, with a heavy police presence planned and 6-foot fencing constructed around the building.

LATEST UPDATE

Michigan State Police announced that the protest had 20-25 people at its peak. No arrests were made.

While the protest started noon Sunday at around 1:30 p.m. a member of the Boogaloo movement which planned the protest, stated the group was leaving, according to WOOD-TV. However, other protesters not affiliated with the group still stayed on scene.

At around 2:30 p.m. the protest dwindled with just a handful of people still there. The rest of the people remaining at the scene during that time were onlookers, press and police.

More: Michigan law enforcement on armed Capitol protests this weekend: ‘We will be prepared’

Follow updates from Local 4 reporters in Lansing below:


About the Author:

Ken Haddad is the digital content manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter.