Whitmer critics plan 500-car protest at Capitol next week

FRIDAY, April 10 — Michiganians who think Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order has gone too far are planning a protest in their automobiles next week at the Capitol.

The Michigan Conservative Coalition has recruited more than 500 people (and counting) for a drive-by style “protest” on Wednesday on streets near the Michigan State Capitol building.

To “redress grievances,” drivers are planning to slowly circle the building beginning at noon with flags, signs and plans to “make noise and make our unhappiness known,” according to a Facebook page with now more than 5,000 interested attendees. The page outlines the plan:

“People always say: ‘Conservatives never protest because they are too busy working.’”

“You’re not working — so it’s time to protest. Come prepared for a traffic jam in Lansing! Whitmer wants Michigan to be in a gridlock. We plan to give her a gridlock in Lansing! Stay in your vehicle as the ‘Whitmer police’ will likely be out to enforce social distancing.”

Organizers didn’t immediately return calls to City Pulse. But the demonstration, a clear violation of Whitmer’s executive lockdown, appears to be geared at reopening local businesses.

“While pushing her progressive agenda, our radical governor has announced no plan of any kind to restart the economy.  Of course, neither has the Legislature,” organizers wrote. “Citizens can use Operation Gridlock to let Lansing know that citizens are fed up.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said that officials “will continue to monitor the situation and ensure Lansing residents, visitors and essential workers are safe in the city of Lansing.” But with streets being unusually empty, safety concerns have been proportionately reduced, he said. He thought the protest was illegal last week, but tonight said it's an allowable assembly under Whitmer's order.

“It is disappointing that these folks are choosing to leave their house at this time,” Schor said. “Most people want to stay safe and are staying home as they should. These folks have the right to assembly, which Lansing police and public service protect for all at the Capitol at all times, but no one can place others in danger so we will monitor this to make sure everything is safe.”

The Michigan Conservative Coalition labels itself as a “handful of volunteers felt called to guide the GOP, and specifically the Michigan Republican party, back to the ‘right’ side of the road,” according to its website. It’s stated “main focus” is on informing voters, recruiting precinct delegates and shaping policy by supporting and electing conservatives in Lansing.