Police Chief Daryl Green insists that his officers did not follow the same protocol, noting that tickets could have been issued for distancing violations. ![]() MSP officials told MLive that the “extreme discretion approach” was based on a handful of factors, including protecting the right to gather and protest while balancing the potential arrest of dozens of protestors with an angry, cooped-up crowd that could've quickly become violent. Instead, the order of the day was about warnings. ![]() However, officers at either agency didn’t issue citations to anyone, even if they were in clear violation of the social distancing guidelines. The Lansing Police Department, with some assistance from MSP, was responsible for monitoring the rest of the city, controlling traffic and ensuring the crowds played by the rules. The Michigan State Police handled the State Capitol lawn, the epicenter of Wednesday’s protest. “There just wasn’t a coordinated plan to ensure safety.” It seems that all of that historical knowledge just went out the window this week,” Spadafore added. “While I hope there aren’t future events like this, we really do need to have a more thorough plan in place to enforce the law and protect our citizens out there.” “The hands-off approach didn’t seem to curb dangerous behavior,” explained City Council President Peter Spadafore. In response, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor announced today that additional precautions will be taken for future demonstrations after many of those who participated in the rally “put the safety of residents, first responders and their respective communities at risk,” Schor said. The Michigan State Police took a largely hands-off approach LPD didn’t issue a single citation. Some officials in Lansing were roundly disappointed by a lack of meaningful enforcement of social distancing mandates on Wednesday during “Operation Gridlock.” Hundreds of demonstrators left their cars, refused to socially distance and clearly violated state orders.Īnd none of the blatant violations this week resulted in any actual legal consequences in Lansing. See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.FRIDAY, April 17 - The Lansing Police Department plans to ramp up enforcement efforts should protests continue to involve social distancing violations and gridlock in the capital city. See all of our Helping Each Other stories. View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.įind out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic. Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.Ĭlick here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO. Meanwhile the Michigan Conservation Coalition, behind the first Operation Gridlock, saying they again are not involved in these two subsequent demonstrations.Īdditional Coronavirus information and resources: There are talks of a third event as well - planned for April 30. It’s unclear how big Wednesday morning’s event could be. We have got to be very careful - are we going to see a spread of COVID-19 in parts of the state that maybe didn't have it before," said Gov. "When they come from all different parts of the state - congregate - and then go back. Many of the protesters out of work, pushing for the state to re-open. Those in Lansing last week argued the current stay-at-home is too restrictive. "Right now to do so in an irresponsible way endangers the lives of others." “While we can respect and revere the right of decent, the right to demonstrate," said Gov. Whitmer: Stay home order in 'some form' will be extended ![]() The governor addressing that Tuesday night. Some of the protesters, not wearing protective gear like masks or gloves, called out for not social distancing while voicing their concerns. “I’m for freedom," chanted one protestor. This comes after the first Operation Gridlock made national headlines last week in Lansing - organizers asking protesters to stay in their car. 'Operation Gridlock' rally caused delays during shift change at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.Whitmer and her executive orders at state capitol The call is for businesses in the state to re-open. Some of the social media posts have since been removed - at least from Facebook - Operation Gridlock 2.0, appearing to be a grassroots effort independent of the first demonstration, is tentatively planned for Wednesday morning starting at 10 a.m. Posts calling for “Operation Gridlock 2.0” have been circulating on social media - but not by the organizers of the first protest, held last week. (WXYZ) - Another call to action by people angry with Michigan’s stay-at-home order may in the works at the state capitol.
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