The Capitol in New York State on Wednesday saw a very quiet objection to the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
Only one supporter of former President Donald Trump showed up at the Capitol in Albany, which was well reinforced in anticipation of possible massive protests. After a deadly riot on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, the FBI warned of the possibility of armed protests in all 50 capitals leading to Biden’s inauguration after Trump repeatedly and falsely claimed that his election was stolen.
But photos from The Associated Press show that Mark Leggiero, from the city of Florida, Montgomery County, NY, was the only one to object to the presidential transition on Wednesday.
‘I was on my way to hopefully support the cause with a bunch of peaceful protesters. It’s 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 Trump will always be his president: “He gave me spirit, he gave me pride, he wanted I must live free. “
Lone Trump supporter Mark Leggiero of Florida, NY, stands outside the Capitol in New York and objects to the inauguration of President Joe Biden 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 law enforcement officers have prepared themselves for a much larger crowd in Albany, such as putting up barriers around the stairs to State Capital and blocking vehicle traffic around the area. Security has also been tightened in and around the building and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan has closed City Hall as a precaution.
Albany police, New York State police, the National Guard and the FBI issued a stern warning last week after a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, killing five people. and more than 50 police officers were injured. More than 145 people have since been arrested, including at least a dozen in New York State.
“Do not make a mistake about it. If you break the law, you will be dealing with all the power of all our agencies. We are still committed to protecting your first right of amendment, but we will not violate the law, ”said Thomas Relford of the FBI Albany office.
Trains, Leggiero told Newsday he ‘sought’ more patriots’ to join him.
Larger demonstrations took place in other cities, including Denver, Seattle, Sacramento and Portland. Some burned American flags outside the Colorado Capitol, while protesters in Oregon’s capital clashed with police as they demanded faster policy changes than Biden promised. Few arrests have been reported.