Armed protesters gathered at the Ohio State Capitol on Sunday afternoon, as state houses across the country increased security to face the possibility of civil unrest ahead of the inauguration day.
About 50 protesters, some armed with assault weapons and other firearms, escorted a “Freedom or Death” flag to the Columbus State House at 11 am, according to USA Today.
Ohio is an open-carry state, which means licensed owners can display their weapons.
The crowd included both supporters of President Trump and counter-protesters, at least one of whom carried a Black Lives Matters flag, according to local channel WBNS.
Most had left by 2.30 pm.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol told the CBS affiliate that no arrests had been made by mid-afternoon.
Gov. Mike DeWine authorized the deployment of up to 580 National Guard members to secure government buildings in Buckeye State ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to USA Today.
Two hundred miles away on Sunday afternoon, a handful of armed protesters linked to right-wing militias gathered at the Lansing, MI state house.
No violence has been reported.