Michigan Capitol on lockdown over union protests

The Michigan Capitol in Lansing is on lockdown on Thursday afternoon after more than 1,000 activists flooded the building to protest new legislation that would weaken the power of labor unions in the state.

Michigan police arrested several protesters who tried to rush the Senate floor. Police also sprayed mace into the protesting crowd at one point, according to the Detroit Free Press. Police told CNN that they were forced to lock the doors when the building reached capacity (people are able to exit). Anyone who doesn't leave the building by 5:30 ET will face arrest. The bill passed the House this afternoon.

Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has said the legislation is not antiunion. The proposed bill, called "right to work" legislation, bans the practice of requiring all employees who benefit from a labor contract to pay union dues. Indiana passed a similar bill earlier this year.