Dozens of Second Amendment rights supporters gathered at the Michigan State Capitol Thursday for the 11th annual Second Amendment March, marking the first pro-gun demonstration at the Capitol since the Michigan State Capitol Commission voted unanimously in January to ban open carry inside the Capitol building.
Under cold, grey skies, around 100 supporters rallied for an event billed as an exercise in Second Amendment rights.
“This is the smallest we’ve ever had. Last year we had about 1,000. Year before that we had 1,200,” said march founder Skip Coryell.
As vendors sold T-shirts bearing the message "My Rights <>> Your Opinions" and magnets telling the reader to "Suck Less" and "Rub Some Dirt On It," speakers talked to rallygoers about their Second Amendment rights, with many telling listeners that those rights are under attack.
“Our rights are always at risk," said Phil Robinson, a member of the American Patriots of Michigan. "You have to buy your CPL, concealed carry here in Michigan, which that is extortion in my opinion. I shouldn’t have to pay for my rights to concealed carry, buying a handgun if I so choose.”
The rally on Thursday allowed open and concealed carry on the Michigan Capitol Building lawn in Lansing and informed participants to carry in a responsible manner.
“We are here today to show support to the rest of the people out here and to give America a backbone,” said Robinson.
The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aimed to show support for the Second Amendment and allow citizens to discuss gun rights issues with their legislators.
The event was scheduled to have music, legislators, "ask an attorney" panel, featured speakers and vendor tables with fundraising merchandise and literature.
Representatives from gun groups, like Michigan Gun Owners and Michigan Open Carry, Inc., were also anticipated to attend the event.
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Joel Fulton, from Freedom Firearms in Battle Creek, was expected to be the master of ceremonies.
Other featured speakers included Mary Collins, Doug Giles, and Mark Walters. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf was scheduled to speak but did not attend the rally.