Apr 30, 2020 - Health

In photos: Protesters storm Michigan Capitol over coronavirus restrictions

Marisa Fernandez

Armed protesters provide security as demonstrators take part in an "American Patriot Rally," — Armed protesters provide security as demonstrators take part in an "American Patriot Rally." Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Hundreds of Michigan residents demonstrated outside the state Capitol Thursday with signs, flags and guns protesting against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's coronavirus restrictions. Some were successful in pushing inside the building.

Why it matters: State lawmakers are expected to vote Thursday on whether to extend the state of emergency for another 28 days before it expires at midnight. Protesters in Michigan and throughout the country are calling on states to reopen businesses and resume work, though the majority of Americans support lockdown measures.

By the numbers: Michigan has reported 41,379 confirmed coronavirus cases and 3,789 deaths — the third most out of any state.

Protestors try to enter the Michigan House of Representative chamber and are being kept out by the Michigan State Police. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

A protestor with a sign that has Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whittmer depicted as Adolph Hitler — A protestor with a sign that has Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer depicted as Adolf Hitler. Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Ryan Kelley, a protest organizer, for the American Patriot Rally organized by the Michigan United for Liberty for the reopening of businesses stand — Ryan Kelley, a protest organizer for the American Patriot Rally organized by the Michigan United for Liberty. Photo: Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Protestors try to enter the Michigan House of Representative chamber. Photo: Photo: Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

Go deeper: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to lift state's shelter-in-place order at midnight