State capitals across the country tightened security on Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and extra police officers, while several lawmakers met amid major security issues following violence in the U.S. Capitol last week.
The protection came when the FBI issued a bulletin warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 capitals and in Washington ahead of the inauguration of Pres. Joe Biden on January 20th.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has activated hundreds of National Guard troops to help state police maintain order at the State Capitol. At least two people were arrested, including a man who wanted to walk past the authorities while lawmakers would begin their session and shouted, “I have every right to see this.”
At the Georgia Capitol, a SWAT team from the state patrol walked the capability and carried guns, while lawmakers rallied for the start of a two-year term. State troops were stationed throughout the Iowa Capitol for the opening day, as more than 200 people who opposed the mandates of the coronavirus mask chanted “freedom” during a peaceful rally.
Legislators have met in more than half a dozen states. By the end of the week, three-quarters of all state legislators will open their sessions. Due to concerns about the coronavirus, many state capitals have already adopted procedures to limit the potential for large crowds, including ensuring that lawmakers meet remotely. Those steps have significantly reduced the number of people actually working in capital buildings.
After insurgents who supported President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, some governors and lawmakers began tightening security due to online threats suggesting more crowds could target the state’s capitals.
In Michigan, a state commission voted Monday to ban the public transportation of weapons in the Capitol building.
In Idaho, the doors of the House and Senate chambers were locked Monday morning, and two state troops were stationed at each entrance. In recent years, the doors have been opened while an unarmed staff member controlled the access.
During a special session last August, a group that included anti-government activist Ammon Bundy forced their way into overwhelming troops and filled the Idaho House gallery, despite restrictions on COVID-19 that allowed the number of people allowed restrict. The group People’s Rights, was founded by Bundy and is against the restrictions. The leaders urged members to show up at the Capitol on Monday.
Glen Thorne carried a pistol in a holster on his right hip at the Capitol on Monday. Carrying weapons openly in the building is legal. Thorne said he wanted to make sure Republican Gov. Brad Little “knows we’re here.”
“We want to end the state of emergency for Idaho. That’s ridiculous. “We all want to return to a normal life,” Thorne said. He did not think the group would cause problems.
“This is Idaho. We are all armed, respectful Republicans, ”said Thorne, who lives in Buhl, Idaho, about a two-hour drive southeast of Boise.
The Republican Idaho rep. Chad Christensen said he brought a bulletproof vest.
“If I feel like things are going to be increased, I can turn it on,” said Christensen, who also carried a 45-caliber pistol on his belt. This is a standard procedure for him.
In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and other officials last year approved the erection of a fence around the Capitol following racial protests. Kemp has been keeping a group of National Guard soldiers protecting state property since last summer, when protesters smashed windows and set fire to the Atlanta Public Security Headquarters.
Georgia House Chairman David Ralston, another Republican, said he had “full confidence” that authorities would be “ready to do what is necessary to the members, staff, the public, the media and all the people.” to protect what it has to do. be here. “
A memo released by the FBI office in Minneapolis last month and confirmed by The Associated Press warned of credible threats for this Sunday at the state capitals in Minnesota and Michigan. The memorandum states that supporters of the right-wing Boogaloo movement are exploring the Capitol in St. Louis. Paul did, including investigating police sniper locations that would have to be destroyed if a gun were to break out.
Inslee, a Democrat, activated 750 members of the national guard. On the same day as the deadly riot in Washington, DC, a group of gunmen broke down a gate outside the governor’s mansion in Olympia, Washington, and came to the porch and front yard before being persuaded by police to leave. .
On Monday, lawmakers had to drive through an area protected by the National Guard to park outside the Capitol. A small group of protesters gathered that morning and shouted that they had to get inside the building to observe lawmakers.
“This is a sad day for our country, where the kind of security must be around the people who have been elected to represent you,” Democratic Senator Patty Kuderer said. “Unfortunately we are living in difficult times, and I do believe that we are going to get through it, but it is going to take a lot of time and a lot of effort.”
In Missouri, the inauguration of Republican Gov. Mike Parson took place Monday without incident. Concrete barriers and extra police – both typical precautionary initiatives – surrounded the Capitol site where less than 2,000 people gathered. Parson later told reporters that security measures would also be taken during potential demonstrations, although he was not specific.
Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican, said he was concerned about protests at the state capitals planned for the coming weekend, and asked for extra security from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
“We are hopeful that things, people will remain calm and the democratic process can continue,” Ryckman said.
State police in Oregon will hold training in the safety of those on Tuesday and Wednesday for those who work at the state Capitol, including journalists.
In Michigan, where armed protesters against coronavirus restrictions entered the Capitol last year, there was little discussion because the ban on public weapons was approved. Lawmakers in Michigan will return to the session Wednesday.
Some anti-government extremists accused of plotting to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended earlier protests. Prosecutors say the accused chief initially spoke of recruiting 200 men to storm the building, take hostages and ‘execute tyrants’.
Authorities are aware of recent online posts promoting state-run marches and will make “both” visible and unseen “improvements at the Capitol in the coming weeks, Michigan police spokesman Shanon Banner said.
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Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; Keith Riddler, of Boise, Idaho; and Rachel La Corte in Olympia, Washington; David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa; and Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon, contributed to this report.