An intensified police presence Thursday at the Capitol will include this mobile command center. (Photo: LDV Inc.)
Michigan law enforcers are talking tough a day before the third anti-shutdown gathering in Lansing since mid-April.
Troopers on Capitol grounds early Thursday. (Photo: Michigan State Police)
"We are in unprecedented times which have called for significant measures to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents," state Attorney General Dana Nessel says in a statement about coordination with the state police and county prosecutor.
Any [protest] must be done in a manner that is safe and lawful. The presence of heavily armed protestors at the Capitol unnecessarily creates a powder keg dynamic that is dangerous to protestors, law enforcement and public servants reporting to work at the Capitol.
My office will work in coordination with local authorities and the Michigan State Police to uphold our commitment to public safety.
Her release about preparations for Thursday's "Judgment Day" rally from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capitol quotes the state police director. "We will not allow unlawful, threatening or intimidating behavior," Col. Joe Gasper says. "Based on safety concerns expressed following previous demonstrations, attendees can expect to see an increased MSP presence on Thursday."
That will include canine unit members and Tactical Bike Team troopers in a four-year-old crowd management unit, Lt. Brian Oleksyk, a public information officer, says in one of two short videos (below) posted Wednesday afternoon on social media.
Specialized vehicles also may be present, he indicates: "We also might have a couple of different vehicles that might be here to help us create the safe environment that we want."
"You're going to see a lot of police presence," the lieutenant advises. "If you choose to come tomorrow, we ask that you adhere to the six-feet distancing. Please bring your face covering."
The protest organizer -- Michigan United for Liberty -- also posts a statement Wednesday. "We encourage all participants ... to remain peaceful and respectful," it says.
Our purpose, as it has been from the beginning, is to inspire the people of Michigan to oppose the unconstitutional, unlawful, and immoral lockdown orders that are destroying our great state with every passing day. ...
We protest Governor Whitmer's grossly unconstitutional and extremely destructive executive orders.
Additionally, in light of Governor Whitmer's repeated attempts to bully and browbeat demonstrators, and her supporters' attempts to silence us, it is our purpose to demonstrate that we will not be bullied, browbeaten or silenced.
Nessel notes that carrying a rifle with intent to create fear in another person could bring arrest for brandishing a firearm. "Additionally, if a person refuses to obey a lawful directive from a law enforcement officer, that person could be subjected to criminal prosecution for resisting and obstructing," her handout says. Charges also could include disturbing the peace.
Let’s work together. If you’re planning to attend the demonstration tomorrow, here’s what you can expect to see from the MSP. pic.twitter.com/vOwfJIUBia
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) May 13, 2020
