COLOMBIA – Police are stepping up patrols at the South Carolina State House until January 20 and the buildings will be closed to visitors from Saturday.
“Last week’s events across the country, as well as threats against State Capitols, demanded a more intensified security posture in the coming days and for as long as we need to maintain that high presence,” SC Department of Public Security said the director Robert Woods.
People should expect to see more law enforcement vehicles; barriers and officers inside and outside the Chamber. Officers will be placed in the halls of each building.
No weapons are allowed on site under state law.
“We will work together to protect the right of Southern Carolinians to meet peacefully and exercise their constitutional rights, while maintaining public security. We want to make it clear that the rights of freedom of expression and assembly granted to us by the Constitution do not give anyone the right to resort to violence and illegality, “said the head of the SC State Law Enforcement Division, Mark Keel.” We want to reassure people in the greater Columbia area and throughout South Carolina, that law enforcement officials at all levels are working together and ready to ensure the physical security of our State House and neighboring facilities.
Officials from SCDPS, SLED, Columbia Police Department and Richland County Sheriff’s Department will assist with the application.
Nor will lawmakers meet next week, according to the House and Senate leadership. All committee meetings will be held virtually.
