Protesters gather outside Ohio Statehouse just days before presidential inauguration Protest outside Ohio State House By FOX19 Digital Staff | January 17, 2021 at 2:13 PM EST - Updated January 17 at 3:23 PM COLUMBUS, Ohio (FOX19) -Protesters gathered outside of the Ohio Statehouse Sunday just days before the presidential inauguration. Columbus is one of the many cities throughout the U.S. that have been preparing for armed protests following the deadly protest that occurred at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6. To prepare for the protest, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a proclamation Thursday giving the National Guard the ability to help law enforcement prior to the presidential inauguration.