Michigan has enacted a rule that bans people from openly carrying weapons into the statehouse, a move in the wake of the domestic terrorist attack at the US Capitol that counters what state Republican lawmakers celebrated during an April protest at the state capitol.
ABC News reports that the Michigan Capitol Commission enacted the rules that would bar anyone without a concealed carry permit or an occupational need such as a security detail or police officer from carrying weapons in the statehouse.
After Donald Trump stoked violence by tweeting “LIBERATE MICHIGAN” in response to Michigan’s Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the coronavirus, armed protestors stormed the statehouse to intimidate lawmakers. Republicans celebrated the protests, saying they were demonstrations of Second Amendment rights.
A group of domestic terrorists also planned to kidnap and try Whitman, ending in a likely execution. Other groups had planned to occupy the statehouse, where they would hold sham trials and then execute state officials.
“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,” she said in a statement. “That’s why we must take action to ban all weapons at the Capitol to keep Michiganders safe.”