Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was panned by Republicans for attending a demonstration that followed George Floyd’s death after weeks of condemning protests over social distancing concerns.
The Democratic leader was photographed sitting side by side with activists as she joined protests calling for an end to police brutality and racial inequality. The photograph frustrated many, including Republican state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis.
“Social distancing is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19—unless you have a great photo op. And control,” Afendoulis tweeted.
Social distancing is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19—unless you have a great photo op. And control. pic.twitter.com/uFyM6gBWaM
— Rep. Lynn Afendoulis (@LynnAfendoulis) June 4, 2020
Whitmer maintained some of the strictest social distancing guidelines in the nation throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many of which are still in effect — including a mandate to maintain 6 feet of separation in public gatherings. A spokeswoman for Whitmer, Tiffany Brown, denied the governor violated her own social distancing guidelines by attending the protests.
“The governor took precautions for engaging in an outdoor activity, including wearing a mask even though it is not required outdoors under the order,” Brown told the Detroit News. She also noted that the order included a provision that said: “Nothing in this order shall be taken to abridge protections guaranteed by the state or federal constitution.”
Brown said that includes “the right to peaceful protest.” However, the state’s website features a frequently asked questions page that says all protests must adhere to social distancing guidelines and maintain 6 feet between protesters.
“Persons may engage in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment within the State of Michigan but must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the person’s household,” the website states.
Several protests against Whitmer’s stay-at-home order took place at the state capitol and elsewhere throughout the pandemic. Whitmer condemned those protests, warning they could lead to a spike in coronavirus cases.
“These protests, they do undermine the effort, and it’s very clearly a political statement that is playing out where people are coming together from across the state, they are congregating, they’re not wearing masks, they are not staying 6 feet apart, and then, they go back home into communities, and the risk of perpetuating the spread of COVID-19 is real,” Whitmer said in mid-May.
