Small groups of pro-Trump protesters, some armed, began to gather outside parliaments, including Michigan, Ohio and South Carolina.
In Lansing, Michigan, state police troops walked around the Capitol grounds while a small group of protesters stood near a wire fence around the 142-year-old building. Several National Guard vehicles were on a nearby street. An armed man falsely named Duncan Lemp, a Maryland man who was killed in a police raid without a beat and became a martyr by a loose network of armed anti-government extremists in fist.
A supporter of President Donald Trump wore a red “Make American Great Again” cap while standing on the lawn with a “Don’t tread on me” flag. On the back of his shirt was written: “PATRIOT, NON-RACIST, NON-TERRORIST”.
In Columbus, Ohio, about two dozen people, several carrying long weapons, gathered outside the Capitol while dozens of state soldiers and members of the National Guard guarded various points around the House, including all entrances. Almost all businesses around the city center square were boarded up.
Several dozen people were gathered at the South Carolina Statehouse, some carrying American flags. It was not immediately clear whether some in the group were also counter-demonstrators who supported the Biden government.
A strong police presence surrounded the government complex in central Columbia. Capitol itself has been surrounded by metal barricades for several days, and state lawmakers have announced that they will not hold their scheduled face-to-face session this week because of possible unrest.