LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan is planning to install a six-foot tall fence around the Capitol building due to the possibility of armed protests, Capitol Commissioner John Truscott said.
The fencing will be installed Friday before potential weekend protests, according to the state.
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On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission unanimously voted to ban the open carry of guns from inside the Michigan Capitol, effective immediately.
The commission, which is responsible for overseeing the Capitol, voted 6-0 in favor of banning firearms from inside the Lansing Capitol building. Concealed carry guns are still allowed.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the commission’s decision was a good start, but more action is needed. She called for a ban on all weapons at the state Capitol, citing April’s armed protests in Lansing and the insurrection in Washington, D.C., last week.
“No lawmaker, reporter, staff member, or anyone who works in the Michigan Capitol should fear for their safety at work,” Whitmer said. “But in the past year, we have seen a rapid rise in violent rhetoric and threats to public safety that require our immediate action.”
Stay-at-home order protests
In April 2020, armed protesters visited the Michigan Capitol with weapons in hand because they were angry about the governor’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Armed protestors stormed the Michigan Capitol and stood in the gallery, long guns in hand, looking to intimidate legislators doing their job to serve the people of Michigan,” Whitmer said Monday in a statement.
READ: Protesters demand state reopen amid COVID-19 restrictions
There were also some smaller protests in Lansing the following month, as Michigan remained under a stay-at-home order.
RELATED: Whitmer, lawmakers critical of ‘over the edge’ gun-toting protesters
Last week, a large mob of rioters stormed U.S. Capitol buildings during congressional meetings, forcing lawmakers to flee. Representatives are claiming President Donald Trump’s rhetoric encouraged such behaviors among his supporters.
“On a normal day, hundreds of people walk through the Capitol, including groups of fourth graders, teachers, and parents on school field trips to learn about state government,” Whitmer said. “That’s why we must take action to ban all weapons at the Capitol to keep Michiganders safe. I am hopeful that the Capitol Commission will recognize the need for further action, and I stand ready to assist in implementing this policy to keep Michiganders safe.”