United States. – A handful of armed protesters linked to right-wing militias began to rally outside Michigan’s state house in Lansing according to reports on Sunday.
About 20 protesters, including members of the anti-government boogaloo movement, began to gather outside the capital shortly after noon, and the crowd was expected to grow, the Detroit Free Press reported.
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The rally scheduled to protest the defeat of President Donald Trump comes amid a surge in security in Lansing following the January 6 siege of the US Capitol.
The FBI warned of possible attacks on all 50 state capitals when former Vice President Joe Biden takes office on Wednesday.
A member of the Boogaloo Bois, an anti-government group, speaks to members of the press in front of the Capitol. AFP
Michigan chief police said they are willing to handle crowds of up to 5,000 protesters, Free Press said.
We want to make this a safe environment for people who come here to express their constitutional rights, Michigan State Police Lieutenant Brian Oleksyk told the newspaper.
“But we are ready to protect this building and the people who are here,” said Oleksyk.
Armed protesters are protesting in front of the Michigan State Capitol building. AFP
We will not tolerate any violence, any destruction of property, any attack on police (or) other people here who express their constitutional rights, as well as the media.
Authorities said a local militia called the Southeast Michigan Militia announced its intentions to protest Sunday but later withdrew, the paper said.