LANSING, MI -- When thousands of people descended on downtown Lansing Wednesday for a planned protest speaking out against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, some asked why police were not issuing tickets to people who were clearly violating the state’s social distancing guidelines.

Michigan State Police said they were practicing “extreme discretion” when patrolling the protest, electing to push for compliance rather than ticketing people.

Of Friday, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said the city police department will not exercise the same discretion during future protests.

“Lansing is proud to be the Capital City and I strongly believe in the right for people to protest their government. However, the right to protest does not include violating the rights of others or breaking local laws. Nor does it include preventing public safety from getting to emergencies,” Schor said in a press release.

“We will always allow legal protesting, but we will be on vigilant watch for violations of the rights of our residents, workers and others who are just doing their jobs and living their lives.”

Countless photos and videos captured at the scene Wednesday showed people protesting in their cars, on the streets and on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol. Many photos showed people in groups clearly not adhering to the state guidelines of staying six feet away from people who do not live in your house while in public places.

MSP First Lt. Darren Green said their department was not aware of any serious issues during the protest and while officers were aware of people violating the guidelines, officers were electing to ask for compliance from citizens. Green said the decision was partially for the safety of officers and also because it would possibly cause more harm to start ticketing large groups of people who are already agitated.

“It’s a delicate balance. People are upset and obviously they are entitled to their opinions on the governor’s order,” Green said. “There’s a lot more positive for law enforcement and MSP to exercise discretion.”

Schor said city officers cannot do anything about people gathering on the grass at the Capitol as that property falls under MSP jurisdiction. However, Lansing police will continue to offer mutual assistance on the grounds if requested so some officers may be on the grounds.

For future protests, Schor said the city will implement several policies which includes having city officers monitoring for distancing violations.

“Lansing Police will also look for social distancing violations on City streets and warn and/or cite people as appropriate,” reads part of the release.

The city will also seek mutual aid from other agencies during protests and officers will be on the lookout for other violations including: excessive noise, purposely blocking roads, and public urination or defecation and more.

Schor indicated the response is in part because of how Wednesday’ protest played out and filtered into the downtown area, away from the Capitol.

“While many people stayed in their cars to protest at the Capitol, some ‘gridlock protesters’ went further and took their frustrations out on the entire City of Lansing by including our downtown, neighborhoods and corridors.,” Schor said in the release.

“Some also left their cars and engaged in outside protesting (as protected by the First Amendment) but refused to socially distance and follow CDC recommendations as required in the Executive Order. Demonstrators not practicing social distancing put the safety of Lansing residents, first responders and their respective communities at risk.”

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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