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Whitmer at Capitol rally promises to sign gun safety bills

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords watches as Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she will sign gun safety bills once they are sent to her by the Legislature.
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords watches as Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she will sign gun safety bills once they are sent to her by the Legislature.

The Michigan Legislature’s Democratic leaders promised to get bills to Whitmer’s desk in short order. There were also gun rights counter-demonstrators at the Capitol shouting into bullhorns and using sirens to disrupt the rally.

A gun safety rally at the state Capitol today drew hundreds of people to demand stricter firearm laws in Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer told the crowd she’s ready to sign gun laws that include universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and red flag laws. She said gun safety measures are a priority after mass shootings at Oxford High School and Michigan State University.

Marcy Jankovich with the DC Project in Michigan was part of the counter-demonstration at the Capitol gun rally.
Marcy Jankovich with the DC Project in Michigan was part of the counter-demonstration at the Capitol gun rally.

“Every person has the right and the freedom – the right of freedom to feel safe in their place of worship, in their place of education, in their neighborhood, in their workplace, in their community.”

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.