The New York State Capitol saw a very discreet objection to President Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.
Only one supporter of former President Donald Trump appeared on the Capitol in Albany, which was well-built in anticipation of potential massive protests. After a deadly riot on January 6 at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, the FBI warned of the possibility of armed demonstrations in all 50 state capitals that preceded Biden’s inauguration, after Trump repeatedly and falsely claimed that the election was stolen from him.
But the Associated Press photos show Mark Leggiero of Montgomery County, Florida, NY, was the only one who spoke out against the presidential transition on Wednesday.
“I was hoping to join a group of peaceful protesters in support of the cause, which is almost a lost cause now, unfortunately, I’m sad to say,” Leggiero told the Daily Gazette.
Leggiero, wearing a “Make America Great Again” shirt and waving a pro-Trump flag, said that Trump will always be his president: “He gave me spirit, he gave me pride, he wanted me to live free”.
Lone Trump supporter Mark Leggiero of Florida, NY, is outside the New York State Capitol opposing President Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, in Albany, NY. Biden became the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday. (AP Photo / Hans Pennink)AP
WNYT reports that police officers have prepared for a much larger crowd in Albany, such as placing barricades around the steps of the State Capitol and blocking vehicle traffic in the area. Security was also tightened in and around the building and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan closed the town hall as a precautionary measure.
The Albany Police, the New York State Police, the National Guard and the FBI issued a severe warning last week after a pro-Trump crowd invaded the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, causing five deaths and more than 50 injured policemen. More than 145 people have been arrested, including at least a dozen in the state of New York.
“Make no mistake, if you break the law, you will be welcomed with all the strength of all our agencies. We remain dedicated to protecting your right to first amendment, but we will not accept breaking the law, ”said Thomas Relford of the FBI Albany Office.
Still, Leggiero told Newsday he was “looking for more patriots” to join him.
Larger demonstrations have occurred in other cities, including Denver, Seattle, Sacramento and Portland. Some burned American flags outside the Colorado Capitol, while protesters in the Oregon capital clashed with police as they pushed for political changes faster than Biden had promised. Few arrests have been reported.