State capitols tighten security, brace for unknown as far-right groups plot shows of strength
Members of the National Guard are seen behind a security fence at the U.S. Capitol on Friday. (Washington Post photo by Salwan Georges)
Published January 17. 2021 1:35AM | Updated January 17. 2021 2:03AM
Griff Witte, Tim Craig, Peter Whoriskey and Kayla Ruble, The Washington Post
State capitols nationwide locked down Saturday, with windows boarded up, National Guard troops deployed and states of emergency preemptively declared as authorities braced for potential violence Sunday mimicking the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters.
The extraordinary show of security at statehouses that are normally lightly guarded reflected the anxious state of the country ahead of planned demonstrations. It came just days before the presidential inauguration, an event normally rich with pageantry but one that this year has become a possible pretext for insurrection.
Associated Press
LANSING Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the National Guard, the state police continued to augment its presence at the Capitol and crews installed a 6-foot, chain-link fence around the 142-year-old building before expected protests ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
The Legislature on Friday also canceled session next week, citing law enforcement’s concerns about “credible threats regarding events” at the Capitol.
Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper said an unknown number of demonstrators were expected to gather on the grounds Sunday, a week-and-a-half after the deadly breach by a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters at the U.S. Capitol. Troopers were being mobilized from across the state and will be joined by the National Guard and local law enforcement.
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