State capitals across the nation stepped up security on Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and additional police officers, as several legislatures rallied amid security concerns following last week’s violence at the Capitol of the United States. United States.
The protections came as the FBI issued an alert bulletin on plans for armed protests in the 50 state capitals and in Washington ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20th.
Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee 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 tried to pass by authorities as lawmakers began their session and shouted, “I have every right to witness this.”
At the Georgia Capitol, a state-patrolled SWAT team roamed the perimeter dressed in fatigue and with rifles as lawmakers gathered inside to begin a two-year term. State soldiers were stationed throughout the Iowa Capitol during the opening day, as more than 200 people who opposed coronavirus mask warrants sang “freedom” during a peaceful rally.
Legislatures were convened in more than half a dozen states. By the end of the week, three-quarters of all state legislatures will have opened their sessions. Because of concerns about the coronavirus, many state capitals had already adopted procedures to curb the potential of large crowds, including having remote meetings of lawmakers. These steps greatly reduced the number of people actually working in the Capitol buildings.
After last Wednesday insurgents backing President Donald Trump overran the U.S. Capitol, some rulers and lawmakers began to step up security because of online threats suggesting more crowds could head to state capitals .
In Michigan, a state commission on Monday voted to ban carrying weapons to the Capitol building.
In Idaho, the doors of the House and Senate chambers closed Monday morning and two state soldiers were placed at each entrance. In recent years, doors have been opened while a staff member of the unarmed state house controlled access.
During a special session last August, a group that included anti-government activist Ammon Bundy made their way in front of overwhelmed troops and filled the Idaho House gallery despite COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of people permits. The group called People’s Rights was founded by Bundy and opposes the restrictions. Its leaders urged members to show up at the Capitol on Monday.
Glen Thorne was carrying a pistol in a holster on his right hip at the Capitol on Monday. Carrying open arms 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 in Idaho. It’s ridiculous. We all want to get back to a normal state of life,” Thorne said. I didn’t think the group was causing problems.
“It simply came to our notice then. We all carry guns, respectful Republicans, ”said Thorne, who lives in Buhl, Idaho, about a two-hour drive southeast of Boise.
Idaho Republican Representative Chad Christensen said he was wearing a bulletproof vest.
“If I feel things are going to increase, maybe I’ll put it on,” said Christensen, who also carried a .45-caliber pistol in his belt, which is a standard procedure for him.
In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and other officials approved the construction of a fence around the Capitol last year after protests over racial injustice. Kemp has kept a group of National Guard soldiers on active duty to protect state property since last summer, when protesters broke windows and set fire to state public safety headquarters in Atlanta.
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, another Republican, said he had “full confidence” that the authorities would be “willing to do whatever it takes to protect members, staff, the public, the media.” communication and all the people who have to do it. ” be here. “
A note issued late last month by the FBI office in Minneapolis and confirmed by The Associated Press warned of credible threats this Sunday in the state capitals of Minnesota and Michigan. The note said supporters of the right-wing Boogaloo movement had made recognitions at the St. Paul, including police sniper sites that would have to be destroyed if a gun exploded.
Democrat Inslee activated 750 members of the National Guard. On the day of the deadly riot in Washington, DC, a group of gunmen broke down a door in front of the governor’s mansion in Olympia, Washington, and arrived on the porch and front yard before being persuaded to leave police.
On Monday, lawmakers had to drive through an enclosed area guarded by the National Guard to park outside the Capitol. A small group of protesters gathered in the morning shouting to let them enter the building to observe lawmakers.
“It’s a sad day for our country, right, where we need to have that kind of security around the people who were elected to represent it,” Democratic Sen. Patty Kuderer said. “Unfortunately, we are experiencing moments of trouble, and I think we will overcome it, but it will take a lot of time and a lot of effort.”
In Missouri, the investiture of Republican Gov. Mike Parson continued Monday without incident. Concrete barriers and additional police, both typical inaugural precautions, surrounded the Capitol precinct where fewer than 2,000 people gathered. Parson later told reporters that safety precautions will also be taken at future demonstrations, though it was not specific.
Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican, said he was concerned about protests in state capitals scheduled for next weekend and called for additional security for the Kansas Highway Patrol.
“We hope things, the people, are calm and the democratic process can continue,” Ryckman said.
Oregon State Police will conduct security training for those working at the State Capitol, including journalists, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
In Michigan, where protesters armed against coronavirus restrictions entered the Capitol last year, little was discussed in approving the open arms ban. Michigan lawmakers will return to the session Wednesday.
Some of the anti-government extremists accused in a plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had attended previous blockade protests. Prosecutors say the accused leader initially spoke of recruiting 200 men to attack the building, take hostages and “execute tyrants.”
Authorities are aware of recent online posts promoting state house marches and will make security improvements “both seen and unseen” at the Capitol over the coming weeks, Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner said.
___
Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; Keith Riddler, a 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.