How major states plan to protect their Capitol buildings before possible pro-Trump armed protests

How major states plan to protect their Capitol buildings before possible pro-Trump armed protests

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To complicate the concern, the FBI bulletin was not made public, but was leaked to reporters. Federal police have yet to give a press conference detailing the attack on the Capitol or outlining plans to secure President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. And the purge of accounts on Twitter and Facebook, promoting violent protests, made it difficult for the public to understand the extent of the problem.
The surprising warning, a few days after a pro-Trump crowd forcibly took over the United States Capitol, is pressuring states to increase security in the event of a similar attack on state capitals. Although many capitals are closed due to coronavirus restrictions, the warnings are of particular concern in states that allow people to carry weapons openly or in those where President Trump has falsely alleged fraud.

Here’s a look at how several states at the center of Trump’s false fraud allegations are preparing:

Michigan bans open transportation on the Capitol

Protesters carrying weapons gathered at the Michigan Capitol on May 14, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan.
In Michigan, the state capitol commission banned the open carrying of firearms inside the state capitol building in Lansing as of Monday.
The action was in response to the US Capitol riot, as well as the spring incidents in which heavily armed protesters flocked inside the State Capitol to protest the pandemic-related blockades. In addition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, was the target of an alleged plot of domestic terrorism by members of right-wing militia groups.

However, the policy change affects only public areas within the building and does not change the policy on the Capitol grounds, nor does it prohibit the carrying of a licensed secret pistol that follows state laws, in accordance with the commission’s policy.

“Action by the Capitol Commission to ban the carrying of weapons on Capitol Hill is a good start, but more action is needed,” Whitmer said in a statement on Monday.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned that the commission’s rule does not mean that the Capitol is safe.

Michigan State Capitol Commission Prohibits Open Carrying of Firearms Inside the Capitol Building
“My job is not to provide state officials and residents or other visitors to our Capitol with a false sense of security, especially considering the current situation in Michigan and across the country,” she said in a tweet. “I repeat, the Michigan Capitol is not safe.”

Shanon Banner, a spokesman for the Michigan State Police, said he is aware of the march in state capitals that is being promoted online and that he will continue to watch for security threats.

“Our security planning is fluid and adjustments are made as needed, day to day,” said Banner. “The security enhancements that can be implemented include visible and invisible measures. In general, we do not discuss security measures, but I can confirm that, with great caution, we are increasing our visible presence on Capitol Hill for the next few weeks starting today.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor also asked Governor Whitmer to activate the Michigan National Guard to provide additional security and crowd control measures around the state capitol on Sunday and the day of the inauguration.

“Last week’s horrific scene on Capitol Hill was an attack on our democracy and shows that we need to be adequately prepared for acts of violence, as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as our 46th president of the United States.”

Wisconsin Authorizes State National Guard

Workers begin to close the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison on Monday.

Governor Tony Evers authorized the state National Guard to support the Capitol Police in Madison, the governor’s office said in a press release on Monday.

“Members of the Wisconsin National Guard will mobilize for active state service to support security and security efforts at the State Capitol in Madison,” the statement said. “The Wisconsin National Guard will serve to support local authorities and conduct a local security mission.”

According to the statement, the troops are trained to respond to requests for short-term assistance and are part of the Wisconsin National Guard Reaction Force.

“The mobilized troops will serve with State Active Service status in support of the Capitol Police. To protect operational security, the Wisconsin National Guard will not discuss the number of troops, movements, schedules, equipment, tactics or procedures.”

In addition, the windows on the first floor of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison were boarded up on Monday, before possible protests.

Pennsylvania says Capitol is closed to the public

A spokeswoman for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, said she was aware of the planned protests, but noted that the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg has been closed to the public since December because of the pandemic.

Washington Post: FBI warned of violent

“The Capitol Police will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to maintain peace at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg,” said press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger.

Governor Wolf said on Thursday that about 1,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been activated to support the DC National Guard in support of civilian authorities in Washington DC. The Pennsylvania National Guard has about 19,000 members in all.

“Members of the Pennsylvania Guard are well trained and prepared to help our communities, community and country in any way they can,” said Assistant General General Mark Schindler. “We are also very lucky that our Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the DC National Guard as part of previous training events and presidential inaugurations.”

Georgia safely opens legislative session

Georgia state soldiers stand guard in front of the Capitol on the first day of the legislative session in Atlanta on Monday.
The Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta has seen protests that have raised security concerns. Last week, Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, was helped out of the Capitol as a precaution, while a small group of pro-Trump protesters gathered outside, according to CNN affiliate WXIA.

The state began its 2021 legislative session on Monday with reinforced security around the building, including a new fence and armed guards.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said it is aware of reports of possible armed protests in the coming days.

“We are in communication with our partners and will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure safety and security,” said Nelly Miles, Director of Public Relations at GBI.

Atlanta police said they are also working with their security partners.

“The Atlanta City Police Department (APD) continues to coordinate with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to respond in the event of protests or illegal activities. If activity begins to occur, APD is prepared to respond. or security plans. However, the safety of our city and citizens is our priority, “said the police.

CNN’s Amanda Watts, Zachary Cohen, Whitney Wild, Lauren del Valle, Caroline Kelly, Rob Frehse, Raja Razek, Alec Snyder and Jason Morris contributed to this report.

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