Governor Gretchen Whitmer has activated National Guard units ahead of protests expected Sunday at the state Capitol.
The coordinated law enforcement effort also includes the FBI and local police departments.
Police agencies have ramped up intelligence gathering and a visible presence following the insurrection at the US Capitol that turned violent and out of control. The plans include boarding up windows and putting up a fence around the state Capitol.
Michigan State Police Colonel Joe Gasper.
“We are prepared for the worst, but we remain hopeful that those who choose to demonstrate at our Capitol do so peacefully.”
Gasper says an elevated police presence will last through at least mid-February based on threat assessments.
The Michigan Legislature’s GOP leaders also cancelled next week’s sessions due to “credible threats” of violence.
Trials are also pending for men accused of an alleged plot to kidnap and possibly murder Governor Whitmer. The initial members of the group met at a state Capitol protest.
