Michigan Militia Protest Planned For State Capitol Sunday: Report

LANSING, MI — A Michigan militia group is planning to protest outside the State Capitol Sunday, according to a report from a local TV station.

FOX 2 reported Thursday that the Southeast Michigan Militia plan to be armed, but that the group does not expect any trouble unless they feel they have to defend themselves or if their rights are violated.

"It depends on how we are pushed," Mike Lackomar, the group's leader, told the TV station. "If we are forced to defend ourselves, we will defend ourselves. If our rights are violated, we will resist that violation with whatever level we need to."

Read More: 7 Michigan Residents Among Those Arrested Amid Capitol Hill Riots

According to the FOX 2 report, Lackomar said he doesn't agree with the violence at Capitol Hill on Jan. 6 that left at least five people dead and dozens arrested. Lackomar told the TV station that his group is not involved with the Wolverine Watchmen, a separate militia group that is accused of plotting to kidnap and potentially kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

But his group has been involved in multiple armed protests, Lackomar said, telling FOX 2 that his group of 217 people carried firearms into the State Capitol building in April.

The FBI and Michigan State Police told Patch in emails Tuesday that they were aware of potential protests at capitols around the nation. In response, security at Michigan's Capitol has been boosted.

"We have already increased visible MSP presence at the Capitol, and these resources will remain in place for at least the next couple of weeks," Lt. Brian Oleksyk of the Michigan State Police said Tuesday.

Whitmer has received requests from the Lansing City Council and Lansing Mayor Andy Schorr to deploy the Michigan National Guard as an extra layer of security, but the governor has not yet done so.