(17 Sep 2020) FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4288557
Dozens gathered on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol on Thursday to rally in support of their right to bear arms as well as to decry efforts undertaken by the state to rein in the coronavirus pandemic – efforts they say infringe upon their freedom.
"Today is about standing up, taking back what is yours, which is the state of Michigan," Skip Coryell, founder of the Second Amendment March, told the crowd from the Capitol steps. "So today, let's celebrate, let's get loud, let's make some noise and let's have fun. But we are never going to be silent again."
Many in attendance openly carried rifles and other long guns as well as handguns.
Some displayed signs critical of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has issued far-reaching orders to close businesses and schools, require masks and social distancing, and limit gathering sizes to control the virus that has contributed to thousands of deaths across the state.
A tent was set up where rally-goers could sign a petition to recall the governor.
"If she can make patriotic Americans don a mask, tell us where we can go, where we can't go, how late we can stay out, if we can even go outside of our home and go to church," Coryell said. "If she can make us do all of those things with a stroke of her pen, what does she have up her sleeve for 2021? It's like, I just, I don't trust this woman."
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
