The annual event was organized by Michigan Open Carry Inc. and the Michigan Gun Owners group.
They were halted by a new legislative action, however, that prevented them from exercising their right to keep and bear arms within the state capitol.
In late summer, Michigan’s Capitol Commission decided to transition the capitol complex to a “gun-free zone.” This, of course, has no bearing on the criminal element but effectively blocked the marchers from carrying their firearms in the building complex.
It did not stop them, however, from proudly carrying their long rifles and other weapons elsewhere.
Most of the gathering focused on new measures by the state legislature to suppress gun rights. Second Amendment March Vice President Brian Jeffs declared the group wanted to emphasize the importance of constitutional freedoms.
“We still have people, even on this rainy, crappy day, we’ve got a lot of people here that are upset with how things are going.”
Among recent measures passed by legislators and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) are a series of so-called “red flag” laws designed to keep guns away from people dangerous to themselves or others. While the intent is laudable, in most instances there are precious few if any provisions providing for due process for the gun owner.
Despite Michigan’s long tradition of hunting and sport shooting, lawmakers in Lansing recently swerved toward anti-Second Amendment positions and produced several egregious laws.
Jim Makowski, a gun rights attorney, told the crowd that “we’re getting ready to file several suits in federal court to try to block these clearly unconstitutional, unlawful edicts coming out of Lansing.”
