Protesters return to Michigan capitol as emergency decree winds down

Protesters are back at the Michigan Capitol to denounce Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-home order and business restrictions.

They're try to put pressure on Republican lawmakers who are meeting to consider extending Whitmer's coronavirus emergency declaration hours before it expires Thursday evening.

The state reported40,399 cases of the disease on Thursday, with 8, 957 in the City of Detroit. Overall, 3,670 people have died in Michigan from COVID-19.

At the capitol, drivers leaned on their horns as they travelled past, a repeat of what occurred on April 15but with fewer numbers. Speakers took turns addressing a crowd on the Capitol lawn.

The signs said, "Shut down the lockdown" and "No work no freedom."

The "Don't Tread On Me" flag was worn by some people as a cape.

In addition to protestors outside the legislature, Michigan Sen. DaynaPolehanki tweeted an image on Thursday showing "men with rifles" yelling inside the state assembly.