Dozens of protesters gathered in front of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s home to express their frustration with her tough social distancing rules.
Whitmer has implemented one of the most aggressive stay-at-home orders in the country in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Her policies have triggered several protests at the state Capitol, and the latest demonstration took place in front of her home on Thursday.
“We can’t go on like this. … It’s not acceptable. … If you saw last week, there’s businesses hurting. Families are about to go bankrupt. … I’ve never seen Michigan like this,” event organizer Brandon Hall told 6 News.
Most of the protesters remained in the vehicles during the demonstration. Those outside their cars appeared to be abiding by social distancing guidelines by remaining spread out in video captured by one of the protesters.
Participants in a previous protest dubbed “Operation Gridlock” did not abide by social distancing guidelines during their event in the state capital of Lansing. That gathering drew thousands, outraging Whitmer’s team. Last week, the governor said she was considering extending the stay-at-home order because of the protesters’ behavior.
During a news conference on Wednesday, the Democrat said reopening Michigan’s economy would have to be a “very thoughtful and precise” process.
“I’m as eager as anyone to start reengaging sectors of our economy, but we all know we’ve got to be really smart about what that looks like,” Whitmer said. “So it will be in waves, and there will be some form of a stay-at-home order in effect for a long time here.”
