LANSING, Mich. — Protesters gathered in the rain at the Michigan State Capitol building Thursday, May 14 for a rally against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay at home order.
The demonstration started at 9 a.m. and ended in the early afternoon.
Michigan State Police tweeted around the start time that protesters began to gather and the crowd was about 150 people. They later reported around 200 protesters at the height of the event. The Associated Press said the demonstration was smaller Thursday morning than previous rallies, at least initially.
It was organized by Michigan United for Liberty, who said the purpose of the demonstration is to convey to lawmakers, officials and the public that "the people of Michigan will passionately defend our freedom and prosperity."
"We protest Governor Whitmer's grossly unconstitutional and extremely destructive executive orders," the conservative activist group said in a Wednesday statement released to Twitter.
Michigan United for Liberty has sued Whitmer and organized or participated in several protests since early April, the Associated Press said. Though state police described the last demonstration as peaceful overall, lawmakers from both parties criticized some protesters for intimidating and threatening tactics.
PHOTOS: Protesters in Lansing on May 14
State Attorney General Dana Nessel has said the law will be enforced at Thursday's rally, including if protesters brandish their guns or ignore police directives.
Michigan State Police tweeted a reminder Thursday morning that despite the rally happening outside the building, the Capitol is actually closed. The house and Senate are not in session.
"Some legislators are holding office hours by appointment," MSP explained. "So there will be some persons entering the building."
MSP reported one fight that broke out when one demonstrator tried to take a sign from another protester. No one was injured and no arrests were made.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
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