LANSING, Michigan — State Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) and State Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) aren't taking any chances.
In a release sent out Friday afternoon, the two announced cancelling session in both the State House and Senate from January 19 through the 21. That takes them through Joe Biden's inauguration in Washington D.C. on the 20.
After the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on the 6th of January, law enforcement have been warning of the potential for armed protests and violence in all 50 states. There are two events believed to be happening at the Michigan Capitol both this weekend and on Inauguration Day, next Wednesday.
In a release, the GOP leaders say:
“The Michigan State Police, as well as House and Senate sergeants at arms, have expressed concern over credible threats regarding events scheduled to take place at and around the state Capitol next week. With no votes scheduled on the calendar, we have decided to act in an abundance of caution by not holding session in either the House or the Senate on January 19-21. We hope everyone stays safe and respects the peaceful transition of power, and we hope legislators and staff at the Capitol take time to thank the team of police officers and sergeants who work together to keep us all safe.
“As we have said before, the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week was a terrible moment for our country. We must be better than this as a nation, and that begins this week with what will hopefully remain peaceful protests and demonstrations in Washington, D.C., Lansing and around the country.”
The Michigan State Capitol has already been the scene of armed protests. Last summer, anti-lockdown rallies saw scores of armed protesters try to gain access to the House floor... with many walking in the gallery, looking down onto the chamber, which lawmakers looking on nervously.
Recently, the State Capitol Commission voted unanimously to ban the carrying of open weapons inside the Capitol. Although Democrats say that isn't enough, and want more done. Republicans say they will fight the order in the courts.
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