LANSING, MICH. In advance of anticipated demonstrations at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on Sunday, the Michigan State Police (MSP) has increased both personnel and protective measures, and is working in coordination with local and county law enforcement, the Michigan National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Following the January 6 siege on the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. and the resulting online promotion of marches at capitols in all 50 states, the MSP increased its visible presence at the Capitol beginning on January 11. These additional uniform resources are in addition to the MSP state properties security officers who are assigned to provide security at the Capitol.
“Security enhancements that have been put in place include both seen and unseen measures,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “I can assure you that we take our responsibility for safeguarding the Capitol and those who work and visit here seriously and, together with our law enforcement partners, we will be prepared to ensure law and order.”
In anticipation of an unknown number of demonstrators expected to gather on the grounds of the Capitol on Sunday, January 17, the MSP is again increasing its uniform presence by mobilizing troopers from across the state. MSP’s resources will be complemented by uniform personnel from the Lansing Police Department, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan National Guard to ensure that the greater downtown area is also protected.
Details about the number of officers or their specific security missions will not be shared.
“In general, we don’t discuss security measures so as not to provide an advantage to those wishing to inflict harm and cause disruption, but it’s important for the public to know that law enforcement is working together and has a coordinated plan to do everything within our power to ensure safety,” Gasper added. “We remain hopeful that those who choose to demonstrate do so peacefully, without violence or destruction of property.”
There will be several road closures in effect for downtown Lansing on Sunday to facilitate ingress and egress.
Law enforcement asks residents to assist us by reporting suspicious and unusual activity. Tips can be submitted 24/7 by calling 1-855-MICH-TIP or submitting an online tip at www.michigan.gov/MichTip. Tips can also be submitted direct to MichTip by downloading our mobile app. For matters that require immediate police response, call 9-1-1.
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Media Contact: Shanon Banner, MSP Public Affairs Section, BannerS@michigan.gov
Instructions for on-scene journalists:
Credentials
The MSP will not be issuing media credentials. We recommend that members of the media have readily available the credentials issued by their employer, ideally visible on the outside of their clothing. We realize that some journalists may be reluctant to identify themselves in the crowd of protestors. If that is the case, please ensure your media credentials are still readily available. To avoid potential issues and misidentifications, we ask that you please follow the instructions of law enforcement officers on the first request. Concerns about access are better addressed to a PIO, rather than a police officer who is in the midst of conducting an active law enforcement operation.
Public Information Officers (PIO)
There will be two public information officers on site at the Capitol:
F/Lt Michael Shaw, 734-368-8290
Lt. Brian Oleksyk, 517-898-2552
They will check their voicemails and text messages often, but please keep in mind that noise may make it difficult to hear or speak on the phone. Event updates and information about press briefings (if needed) will be posted on our Twitter account (@MichStatePolice).
Media Staging (See link for map below)
First-come, first-serve media parking is on West Ottawa Street between North Pine Street and North Walnut Street. Please note that while this location is being identified for media vehicles, the MSP is not able to provide security for media vehicles.
Interviews with MSP PIOs will occur in the mall area behind the Capitol, which is off North Walnut Street between West Ottawa Street and West Allegan Street. To access to this area, use the steps on the north and south end. To arrange an interview, contact one of the above PIOs.
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