| Detroit Free Press
The fear of chaos at the Capitol in Lansing seemed overwhelming, as no problems were reported during a small rally on Sunday.
A dozen or so self-described members of the Boogaloo Bois openly carried guns and handguns, but no shots were fired and no quarrel was reported. They wore masks as they spoke shortly before the fence surrounding the Capitol building. They condemned the government’s handover and insisted that they always intended a peaceful demonstration.
Late afternoon the event reflected the weather of the day, a rain rather than a storm.
Protesters apparently never counted more than 100 at a time, and for most of the day they were among the police officers, in uniform and undercover, as well as members of the news media, some of whom were accompanied by security details.
The international scope of the media presence was evident in the overseas accents heard among the reporters.
A state police helicopter circled overhead most of the day, but things on the ground were mostly quiet. No chanting was heard. No bullhorns were used.
Some people who attended said they were there to support President Donald Trump.
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“We can not hide and not support our president,” said Kyle Lapre of South Lyon. “There is a strong movement in the US”
A prospective entrepreneur tried to sell Trump flags and board boards near the rallies. He drove his wares into a trash can near the protest as the homeowners put up at the curb on the garbage day.
He did not get many people and soon left.
An FBI alert earlier this week that violent protests could take place at state capitals across the country prompted officials in Lansing to take precautions.
“We want to make it a safe environment for people to come here to express their constitutional rights,” he said. Brian Oleksyk, Michigan State Police, said. “We do not know how many people are going to attend or how many groups or what groups. … But we are prepared to protect this building as well as the people who are here. We are not going to tolerate any type. Of violence, any form of destruction of property, any assault of police officers (or) other people here expressing their constitutional rights, as well as the media. ‘
Buildings near the Capitol were climbed in to protect their windows. Police blocked some streets in the city center. The national guard was ready with armored Humvees ready, but in the end it was a quiet day.
Free reporters Elisha Anderson, Dave Boucher, Jennifer Dixon, Paul Egan, Joe Guillen and Christine MacDonald contributed to this report.
Contact John Wisely: 313-222-6825 or [email protected]. On Twitter @jwisely
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