Intimidation was on full display Thursday as protestors stormed the state capitol in Michigan, many with guns, but not masks (watch above). They were allegedly upset over the Governor’s stay home order. Dan Rather remarked:
“What happened today in Michigan is an outrage, an affront to government and the rule of law. It has frightining roots in this nation’s bloody history of division and privilege, often on race. What gives me hope is I believe the vast majority of Americans will recoil in disgust.”
But Donald Trump has a different point of view as he seemed to be referencing the protestors on Twitter today calling them “very good people.” The remarks reminded many of when the president called violent protestors at a White supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia “very fine people on both sides” back in 2017.
The Governor of Michigan should give a little, and put out the fire. These are very good people, but they are angry. They want their lives back again, safely! See them, talk to them, make a deal.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2020
Trump’s “very good people” carried semi-automatic rifles into the Michigan state capitol yesterday and signs that called the Governor a “tyrant” and a “bitch.” pic.twitter.com/Ijq5jqB5ac
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) May 1, 2020
“These are very good people”
—Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/QXc0M9xbWm
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) May 1, 2020
1. Armed white protesters break the law and noisily storm the State Capitol in Michigan. Trump says: "These are very good people."
2. Black NFL players lawfully and quietly protest police brutality. Trump says: "Get that son of a bitch off the field right now! Out! He's fired!" https://t.co/1KjmZ4JGU7
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 1, 2020
Michigan has over 41,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 3700 deaths.
Inside the legislative chambers, Republicans passed a measure that would allow them to take Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer to court over her authority to handle the crisis.
Last night the Governor extended the state of emergency order in Michigan through May 28.