US Politicians were forced to put on bulletproof vests when armed protesters stormed the Michigan Capitol Building on Thursday.
Hundreds of people gathered in the building's entrance chanting "let us in" as they protested the Governor's request to extend the state of emergency to combat COVID-19.
Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer has faced fierce backlash from Republican supporters for her strict stay at home orders, NBC News reported.
Many residents believe boosting the economy is more important, despite the state being one of the hardest hit by coronavirus with more than 40,000 cases.
According to NBC News the protest, called the 'American Patriot Rally', was organised by Michigan United for Liberty, to call for the reopening of businesses.
Protesters gathered at the foyer of the Capitol building at 1pm on Thursday where they demanded to be let into the House Chamber where politicians were debating the lockdown rules.
The Guardian reported some protesters could be seen shouting anti-government slogans and comparing Whitmer to Hitler.
While police stopped them from entering the chamber, they were allowed into the Senate, which has fewer members.
State Senator Dayna Polehanki posted a photo of Twitter of the protesters standing in the gallery with rifles and said they were yelling at those below.
"Some of my colleagues who own bulletproof vests are wearing them," she wrote.
"I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today."
Al Jazeera confirmed they were allowed in with rifles as it is legal in Michigan.
Jim Ananich, a Democrat senator for Flint, Michigan said in a statement protesters had threatened Capitol police staff, press and lawmakers.
"In Michigan, we encourage people to voice their disagreements with their government. That's not what happened today," he said.
"This protest wasn't about the stay-at-home order, it was an opportunity for a small group of folks – very few of whom were engaging in social distancing or wearing masks – to show off their swastika posters, confederate flags, nooses hanging from cars and signs calling for murder.
"Threatening Capitol police, staff, press and elected members is not how we do business here in Michigan.
"We support robust debate and we support both the first and second amendments. We will not condone physical intimidation or causing chaos in the middle of a global pandemic."
The mayor of Lansing, Andy Schor, said in a statement on Friday that he was disappointed the protesters put other people at risk.
However, despite the protest, the Governor extended the state of emergency for another 28 days.
