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Police still on alert after uneventful protest at Michigan state Capitol

Posted at 9:53 PM, Jan 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-18 21:53:50-05

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan residents are relieved that Sunday's protest at the state Capitol in support of President Donald Trump came and went without incident.

“I was really worried that it was going to get a lot worse,” said Lansing resident, Bill Schugars.

Just over 20 protesters demonstrated on Sunday. Some carried weapons. Demonstrators were significantly outnumbered by police officers and journalists. Michigan State Police confirmed no arrests were made.

But local residents are still wondering whether there will be unrest or even violence as Wednesday’s Inauguration gets closer.

“I hope not, but I think it’s a pretty good chance that it could get pretty bad,” Schugars said.

Grand Rapids resident Anika Ojeda, who was walking by the Capitol on Monday, said she wonders "if all the drama is happening elsewhere or underground or if they are slowing up because all the attention is on them.”

Fences are still standing tall around the Capitol to make sure vandalism and destruction are kept to a minimum.

Ojeda said she's disappointed things had to come to this.

“I think it’s a shame,” she said. “I just think we should be better than this.”

Still, she's going into the week with a sense of optimism.

“It’s not the end, it’s beginning,” Ojeda said. “Good things are coming.”

Michigan State Police said they will keep officers stationed outside the Capitol for two more weeks.

Tianna Jenkins

12:23 PM, Jan 12, 2021

Your Neighborhood Reporter

Tianna Jenkins

FOX 47 News Neighborhood Newsletter