Thousands of demonstrators descended on Michigan's state Capitol on Wednesday for "Operation Gridlock"—a protest against the state's newly extended stay-at-home order.
The demonstration was organized by the conservative groups Michigan Conservative Coalition and Michigan Freedom Fund, which have been vocal critics of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus response efforts. The Democratic governor expanded the state's lockdown last week with additional restrictions on business operations and in-state travel. The updated order included bans on visiting vacation rentals within Michigan as well as attending private or public gatherings with any number of people who live in separate households. Gov. Whitmer also ordered the closure of "non-essential businesses" and required large stores to close off areas dedicated to products like flooring, furniture, plant nurseries, and paint.
During a Wednesday appearance on the Today show, Gov. Whitmer defended her aggressive response to the COVID-19 outbreak, reminding viewers that Michigan had the third most cases of all U.S. states, following New York and New Jersey. As of Wednesday night, Michigan had more than 28,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths.
Many Michiganders have criticized the strict order, claiming it would do more harm to the state than good. Some demonstrators have even called for Gov. Whitmer's resignation as more and more residents have found themselves in precarious positions due to the lockdown.
"We were hoping, in the beginning, because people were so fed up and so frustrated with our [state] administration, that we would get a few hundred cars down there, but instead we're going to have thousands," Meshawn Maddock told ABC News. "Our local government can't even run our unemployment website right now. They can't solve this crisis, and they're only perpetuating it. So we just really wanted to give people a way to be heard, and right now we have no way for our voices to be heard."
Maddock said she operates A-1 Bail Bonds in Milford, Michigan, with her family, and was recently forced to lay off a handful of employees. Maddock, who is also a member of the Michigan Conservative Coalition, criticized Gov. Whitmer's strict stay-at-home orders, but emphasized that she and other organizers aren't downplaying the pandemic.
"Nobody is denying that this is a crisis, a worldwide crisis, but we've also all learned to be safer. Everybody has learned a lesson in hand-washing, face touching, and social distancing. And so many businesses and hobbies, and just everyday things, have been restricted by our governor," she said, before pointing to protestors' social distancing practices. "We are telling people to stay in their vehicles. I can't see any reason why we would have any issue with the authorities. We're exercising our First Amendment right to peacefully protest."
Though many demonstrators did remain in their cars, many also gathered in front of the Capitol on foot, holding picket signs, American flags, and pro-Trump banners.
"Not one of us wants to go through this again, not in a month, not in the fall," Gov. Whitmer told ABC NEws. "... And I want you to have your freedom. I want to have mine, too. We will get to a place where we can be with our friends and family again. It's OK to be frustrated, it's OK to be angry. If it makes you feel better to direct it at me, that's OK, too. I've got thick skin ... I just ask that those who are protesting these orders, do so in a safe manner so that you don't get sick and you don't subject our first responders to risk either."
Michigan's current stay-at-home order is set to expire on April 30.
