The demonstration was part of the 50-50-1 Movement, which organized nationwide protests under the theme "50 States, 50 Protests, 1 Day." The movement aimed to hold protests in all 50 state capitols against President Donald Trump and his administration’s plans and executive orders.

In bitter cold, hundreds of people had gathered at the Capitol's eastern entrance by noon, and protestors continued to stream in.

"Do not engage," a person said over the microphone to attendees at the state Capitol rally in Lansing. "That's what they want. Security! Security!"