State capitals across the country stepped up security Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and additional police officers, as several lawmakers gathered amid heightened security concerns following last week’s violence in the Capitol.
The protection came when the FBI issued a bulletin warning of plans for armed protests in all 50 state capitals and in Washington ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee activated hundreds of National Guard troops to help state police maintain order in the Capitol. At least two people were arrested, including a man who tried to walk past authorities while lawmakers were due to begin their session and shouted, “I have every right to witness this.”
At the Georgia Capitol, a state patrol SWAT team walked the perimeter with fatigues and guns as lawmakers gathered inside for the start of a two-year term. State forces were stationed in the Iowa Capitol for opening day, while more than 200 people opposed to the coronavirus mask mandates chanted “ freedom ” in a peaceful rally.
Lawmakers met in more than half a dozen states. By the end of the week, three-quarters of all state legislatures will have opened their sessions. Due to concerns about the coronavirus, many state capitals had already adopted procedures to curb the likelihood of large crowds, including arranging a meeting between lawmakers remotely. Those steps have significantly reduced the number of people actually working in main buildings.
After insurgents who supported President Donald Trump captured the Capitol on Wednesday, some governors and lawmakers began to ramp up security over online threats suggesting more gangs could target state capitals.
In Michigan, a state commission voted Monday to ban the open carrying of weapons in the Capitol.
In Idaho, the doors to 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 open while an unarmed state house staff member controlled access.
During a special session last August, a group of anti-government activist Ammon Bundy pushed their way past overwhelmed troopers and filled the gallery of Idaho House despite COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of people allowed. The group called People’s Rights was founded by Bundy and is opposed to the restrictions. The leaders urged members to appear in the Capitol on Monday.
Glen Thorne wore a holstered pistol on his right hip at the Capitol on Monday. Openly carrying weapons in the building is legal. Thorne said he wanted to make sure Republican Governor Brad Little “knows we’re here.”
“We want to end the state of emergency for Idaho. It’s ridiculous. We all want to go back to a normal state of life, ”Thorne said. He didn’t think the group would cause any 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.
Republican Idaho Rep. Chad Christensen said he brought a bulletproof vest.
“When I feel things get higher, I can put it on,” said Christensen, who also carried a .45-caliber handgun on his belt, which is standard for him.
In Georgia, Republican government Brian Kemp and other officials approved the construction of a fence around the Capitol last year after protests against racist injustice. Kemp has been keeping a group of National Guard soldiers on active duty to protect state property since last summer, when protesters smashed windows and set fire to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters.
Georgia House Chairman 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 and all people. protect those orphans here. “
A memo released by the FBI office in Minneapolis late last month and affirmed by The Associated Press warned of credible threats to state capitals in Minnesota and Michigan this Sunday. The memo stated that followers of the right-wing Boogaloo movement had conducted reconnaissance of the Capitol in St. Paul, including police sniper site reconnaissance that would have to be destroyed if a firefight broke 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 armed people broke a gate outside the governor’s mansion in Olympia, Washington, and reached the porch and front yard before being convinced by police to leave.
On Monday, lawmakers had to drive through an area closed and guarded by the National Guard to park outside the Capitol. A small group of protesters gathered in the morning and called for them to be allowed into the building to observe lawmakers.
“It’s a sad day for our country, isn’t it, where you need to have that kind of security around the people who have been chosen to represent you,” said Democratic Senator Patty Kuderer. “Unfortunately, we are living in difficult times, and I believe we will get through it, but it will take a lot of time and effort.”
In Missouri, the inauguration of Republican Governor Mike Parson on Monday passed without incident. Concrete barriers and additional police – both typical inaugural precautions – surrounded the Capitol, where fewer than 2,000 people congregated. Parson later told reporters that security measures will also be taken in possible upcoming demonstrations, although he was not specific.
Kansas House Chairman Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican, said he was concerned about protests at state capitals scheduled for this weekend and asked for additional security from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
“We hope that things, folks, stay calm and that the democratic process can continue,” said Ryckman.
Oregon State Police will provide building safety training for those working in the State Capitol, including journalists, on Tuesday and Wednesday.
In Michigan, where armed protesters against coronavirus restrictions entered the Capitol last year, there was little discussion when the open weapons ban was passed. Michigan lawmakers will return to court on Wednesday.
Some of the anti-government extremists accused of plotting to kidnap Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer attended the earlier lockdown protests. Prosecutors say the accused leader initially spoke of recruiting 200 men to storm the building, take hostages and “execute tyrants.”
Authorities are aware of recent online reports promoting state houses and would be making “both visible and invisible” security enhancements at the Capitol in the coming weeks, Michigan state police spokeswoman 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, in 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.