Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defended the strict lockdowns she has enforced in her state and told Michiganders that following her guidelines is “not optional.”
“These executive orders are not a suggestion,” Whitmer said Monday when asked about people who are “doubting” her authority.
“They’re not optional. They’re not helpful hints,” she added.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “These executive orders are not a suggestion. They’re not optional. They’re not helpful hints.” pic.twitter.com/ImffRfwPyb
— The Hill (@thehill) May 11, 2020
Protesters recently stormed the Michigan state capital in Lansing, demanding that Whitmer ease the virus lockdown, and business owners have started opening their doors despite being ordered not to do so.
Karl Manke, a 77-year-old barbershop owner in Owosso, Michigan, has attracted long lines for his services after opening several days ago, despite warnings from police that he is an “imminent danger” to public health, according to the New York Post.
“I’ve lived under 14 presidents, and this is the worst depression I’ve lived under, and I’m not going to live under it,” Manke said. “I believe it’s my right to work to make my living, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
An armed Michigan militia got involved in the controversy this week, promising to defend Manke against police intervention.
“We are here to make sure he doesn’t get arrested,” Daniel Brewer, a member of the militia, told the media. “We’re willing to stand in front of that door and block the entrance so the police will have no entry there today.”
Republican lawmakers have also filed a lawsuit against Whitmer over the orders earlier this month.
“We firmly believe the governor is acting beyond her authority and has left us no choice other than to seek clarification from the courts,” state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said of the suit.
