How major states plan to secure their capital in anticipation of possible armed pro-Trump protests

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Complicating the concern is that the FBI’s bulletin was not released publicly, but rather leaked to reporters. Federal law enforcement has not yet held a press conference detailing the Capitol attack or drawing up plans to secure the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. And the purge of Twitter and Facebook accounts promoting violent protests has made it difficult for the public to understand the magnitude of the problem.
The startling warning, just days after a pro-Trump mob forcibly took over the Capitol, is forcing states to step up security in the event of a similar attack on capitals. While many capitals have been closed due to coronavirus restrictions, the warnings are particularly fraught in states where people can openly carry firearms or states where President Trump has falsely claimed fraud.

Here’s a look at how several states at the center of Trump’s false fraud claims are preparing:

Michigan bans open carry at Capitol

Protesters with weapons gathered at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on May 14, 2020.
In Michigan, the state’s Capitol Commission banned the open carrying of firearms in the state’s Capitol in Lansing as of Monday.
The move was in response to the riot at the Capitol and spring incidents where heavily armed protesters were trapped inside the Capitol to protest pandemic-related lockdowns. In addition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, was the target of an alleged domestic terror plot by members of right-wing militias.

However, the policy change only affects public areas in the building and does not change the policy on the Capitol grounds, nor does it prohibit licensed hidden gun carry under commission policy that follow state laws.

“The action by the Capitol Commission to ban open carrier guns in the Capitol is a good start, but more action is needed,” Whitmer said in a statement Monday.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned that the commission’s rule does not mean the Capitol is safe.

The Michigan State Capitol Commission prohibits the carrying of firearms inside the State Capitol Building
“It is not my job to provide a false sense of security for state employees and residents or other visitors to our Capitol, especially given the current state of affairs in Michigan and around the country,” she said in a tweet. “I repeat, the Michigan Capitol is not safe.”

Shanon Banner, Michigan State Police spokesman, said they are aware of the rise of state capitals being promoted online, and will continue to monitor security threats.

“Our security planning is fluid and adjustments are made as needed, day to day,” said Banner. “Security enhancements that can be made include both visible and invisible measures. We generally don’t discuss security measures, but I can confirm that with an abundance of caution, we are increasing our visible presence in the Capitol for the next few weeks from today.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor also asked Gov. Whitmer to activate the Michigan National Guard to provide additional security measures and measures to control crowds around the Capitol on Sunday and on Inauguration Day.

“Last week’s gruesome scene on Capitol Hill was an attack on our democracy and shows that we need to be prepared for acts of violence as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as our 46th President of the United States.”

Wisconsin authorizes the state National Guard

On Monday, workers will begin boarding the Wisconsin State Capitol building in Madison.

Gov. Tony Evers has authorized the state National Guard to support the Capitol Police in Madison, the governor’s office said in a news release Monday.

“Members of the Wisconsin National Guard will mobilize to take active duty in support of the safety and security efforts at the Madison State Capitol,” the publication read. “The Wisconsin National Guard will support local authorities and conduct a security mission on the ground.”

According to the release, the troops are trained to respond to requests for assistance at short notice and are part of the Wisconsin National Guard Reaction Force.

The mobilized forces will serve on active duty status in support of the Capitol Police. To protect operational security, the Wisconsin National Guard will not discuss troop numbers, movements, timelines, equipment, tactics or procedures. ”

In addition, the windows on the first floor of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison were boarded up Monday in anticipation of possible protests.

Pennsylvania says Capitol is closed to the public

A spokeswoman for Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, said they were aware of the planned protests, but noted that the state’s Capitol complex in Harrisburg has been closed to the public since December due to the pandemic.

Washington Post: FBI warned of violent 'war' in the Capitol in internal report released the day before deadly riot

“Capitol Police will continue to work with state and local law enforcement officials to keep the peace at the Harrisburg Capitol Complex,” said press secretary Lyndsay Kensinger.

Gov. Wolf said on Thursday that about 1,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been activated to support the DC National Guard in support of civilian authorities in Washington DC. The Pennsylvania National Guard has approximately 19,000 members in all.

“Pennsylvania Guard members are well trained and well prepared to assist our communities, the Commonwealth and the country in any way they can,” said Acting Adjutant Major General Mark Schindler. “We are also fortunate that our Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the DC National Guard as part of previous training events and presidential inaugurations.”

Georgia opens legislative session with security

Georgia State Troopers stand guard in front of the Capitol on the first day of the Atlanta legislative session on Monday.
The Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta has already witnessed protests that have raised concerns about security. Last week, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was helped out of the Capitol as a precaution when a small group of pro-Trump protesters gathered outside, according to CNN affiliate WXIA.

The state began its legislative session in 2021 on Monday with increased security around the building, including a new fence and armed guards.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said it was aware of reports of possible armed protests in the coming days.

“We are in communication with our partners and will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure safety and security,” said GBI Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles.

Atlanta police said they are also working on security with their partners.

“The Atlanta City Police (APD) continues to work with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to respond to protests or illegal activity. If activity begins, APD is willing to respond quickly. We do not share operational services. or security plans. However, the safety and security of our city and citizens is our priority, “police said.

CNN’s Amanda Watts, Zachary Cohen, Whitney Wild, Lauren del Valle, Caroline Kelly, Rob Frehse, Raja Razek, Alec Snyder and Jason Morris contributed to this report.

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