On Thursday morning, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told protesters to wear a mask and stay six feet apart. Later in the day, she appeared to violate her own rules.
“I encourage everyone who is protesting, if you are out demonstrating or out congregating at all, please wear a mask and please try to stay six feet away from others,” she said on Mojo In The Morning.
Whitmer, who is angling to be Joe Biden’s vice presidential running mate, participated in a protest in downtown Detroit over the death of George Floyd.
She marched along as the closely packed large group chanted, “Hands up, don’t shoot,” and “This is what democracy looks like.”
Whitmer, wearing a cloth mask, was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Bishop Charles Ellis and Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist.
VIDEO: Hundreds marching today in a walk to honor the life of George Floyd. This march down Woodward Avenue was organized by Michigan clergy, law enforcement, and community members. @GovWhitmer joined those marching @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/FGK6wW7djT
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) June 4, 2020
.@GovWhitmer @LtGovGilchrist and Bishop Charles Ellis lead a group of marchers in Detroit honoring the life of #GeorgeFloyd. Marchers call out "hands up, don't shoot!" @wxyzdetroit @ABC pic.twitter.com/ExR28L3dIm
— Jenn Schanz (@JennSchanzWXYZ) June 4, 2020
Chris Meagher, Whitmer’s press consultant, shared a photo on Twitter of the governor in a large throng of people, who were also violating her orders.