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Rally held against Michigan governor's stay at home order causes 'gridlock' in downtown Lansing

Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Lansing to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's recent executive orders.

LANSING, Mich. — Wednesday around noon, numerous cars caused traffic jams near the capitol building in Lansing as people took part in a protest against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's recent executive orders.

The main order people are taking issue with is the extension of the stay at home order and what businesses are considered essential and non-essential. On Thursday, April 9, Whitmer extended that order through the end of the month and also introduced new restrictions on garden centers and stores selling furniture and paint.

RELATED: 'This is not a permanent moment,' Whitmer addresses frustrations about stay at home order

"Come prepared for a traffic jam in Lansing! We WANT gridlock," the group explains on Facebook.

RELATED: Michigan's stay at home order: What am I allowed to do?

As of today over 4,600 people have said they are going and 17,000 are interested. The Facebook event lists its organizers as the Michigan Conservative Coalition and the Michigan Freedom Fund. 

Gov. Whitmer's spoke about the rally in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.   

"I understand the frustration that people are feeling. I'm frustrated too. None of us wants to be here in this moment but we are and we have to do the best that we can," she said. 

The rally, did as it was planned, and caused gridlock, thousands attended and traffic was backed up for hours. Some protesters left their cars and marched on the capitol steps. 

Whitmer said she supported the people's right to protest but wants people to still adhere by the CDC guidelines to social distancing. 

"I support your right to free speech, and I respect your opinions," said Whitmer.
"I just urge you don't put yourself at risk. And don't put others at risk either." 

Watch video of the protest here

Watch Live: Protesters have gathered in downtown Lansing . The rally is against Gov. Whitmer's stay at home order.

A rally is being held in Lansing today against Gov. Whitmer's stay at home order.

Posted by 13 On Your Side on Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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