Sturgis-Coldwater News

Michigan officials are questioning whether to reconsider to decision to allow guns within the state capitol building.

Firearms have been allowed in the Michigan Capitol for years, but after riled-up protesters with rifles entered the capitol on April 30 and interrupted lawmakers with their protest, officials are reconsidering the debate, according to Bridge Michigan.

People carrying the weapons were protesting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) has previously encouraged armed protests against Whitmer and is a Second Amendment champion. But after the protest, even Shirkey denounced some of the protesters. 

“Many protested safely and responsibly, and I respect and appreciate their efforts,” Shirkey said in a statement, according to Bridge Michigan. “Several other so-called protesters used intimidation and the threat of physical harm to stir up fear and feed rancor. I condemn their behavior and denounce their tactics.”

Shirkey, among other lawmakers, are now considering a discussion on allowing firearms into the state capitol.

John Lindstrom, a recently retired publisher of the Gongwer subscription newsletter, told Bridge Michigan he had been reporting on the capitol for 42 years. Of those 42 years, there were only a few instances where lawmakers didn't allow loaded guns into the capitol building.

Shirkey, who normally encourages protests, said he is in agreement with the protesters that Whitmer's extended shutdown is going too far, according to Detroit Metro Times. But he was against the protest on April 30 and said the protesters did not represent the Republican party. 

"My statement on so-called protesters who used intimidation and the threat of physical harm to stir up fear and feed rancor: I condemn their behavior and tactics," Shirkey said on Twitter. "They do not represent the Senate Republicans. At best, those so-called protesters are a bunch of jackasses."

While Shirkey was not in agreement with the protesters' tactics, he did agree that Whitmer should not be allowed to extend the shutdown.

"With breathtaking disregard for the law, our governor took an action yesterday which will memorialize Michigan’s spot in dubious, embarrassing history," he said on Facebook. "Michigan now has earned the distinction of having a governor, drunk on the addiction of unfettered power, declaring that she -- and she alone -- can and will continue to act unilaterally to lock down our society, our culture and our economy."