State chapters across the nation stepped up security on Monday, deploying National Guard units, SWAT teams and additional police officers, as several legislatures convened amid heightened security concerns following the violence. from last week in the US Chapter.
The protections came when the FBI issued a warning bulletin on armed protest plans in all 50 state capitals and in Washington, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20th.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to help state police maintain order in the state chapter. At least two people were arrested, including a man who tried to pass by the authorities, while parliamentarians were about to begin their session and shouted: “I have every right to witness this.”
In the Georgia chapter, a state patrol SWAT team roamed the perimeter wearing clothes and rifles, while lawmakers gathered inside for the start of a two-year term. State police were stationed throughout the Iowa Chapter for the opening day, while more than 200 people opposed to the coronavirus mask warrant chanted “freedom” during a peaceful rally.
Legislatures have met in more than half a dozen states. By the end of the week, three-quarters of all state legislatures will be open. Due to coronavirus concerns, many state capitals had already adopted procedures to reduce the potential of large crowds, including arranging for parliamentarians to meet remotely. These steps have greatly reduced the number of people actually working in the chapter buildings.
After insurgents backing President Donald Trump overran the U.S. Chapter last Wednesday, some governors and lawmakers began stepping up security because of online threats suggesting more mobsters could target state chapters.
In Michigan, a state commission voted Monday to ban open weapons in the Capitol building.
In Idaho, the doors of the House and Senate chambers were locked Monday morning and two state soldiers were stationed at each entrance. In previous years, the doors were open while an unarmed state personnel controlled access.
During a special session in August last year, a group that included anti-government activist Ammon Bundy forced its way over the overwhelmed troops and filled the Idaho House gallery, despite COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of people allowed. The group called People’s Rights was founded by the Bundy and opposes the restrictions. Its leaders urged members to report to the Chapter on Monday.
Glen Thorne carried a handgun in a holster on his right hip at the Capitol on Monday. Open transport of weapons in the building is legal. Thorne said he wanted to make sure Republican Gov. Brad Little “knows we’re here.”
“We want to end the state of emergency for Idaho. It’s ridiculous. We all want to return to a normal state of life, “said Thorne. He did not think the group would cause trouble.
“This is Idaho. We all carry weapons, respectful Republicans, ”said Thorne, who lives in Buhl, Idaho, about a two-hour drive southeast of Boise.
Rep. Idaho Republican Chad Christensen said he brought a bulletproof vest.
“If I feel things are going to grow, I could put them on,” said Christensen, who also wore a .45-caliber pistol on his belt, which is a standard procedure for him.
In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and other officials approved the construction of a fence around the Capitol last year after protests of racial injustice. Kemp has kept 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’s headquarters.
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, another Republican, said he had “full confidence” that the authorities would be “ready to do whatever it takes to protect members, staff, the public, the media and everyone here.” “
A note issued late last month by the Minneapolis FBI office and confirmed by The Associated Press warned of credible threats this Sunday at Minnesota and Michigan state capitals. The memo said that supporters of the right-wing Boogaloo movement recognized the St. Chapter. Paul, including investigating locations for police snipers that would be destroyed if a fight 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 gunmen broke down a gate in front of the governor’s mansion in Olympia, Washington, and reached the porch and front yard before being persuaded to leave by police.
On Monday, lawmakers had to drive through an enclosed area guarded by the National Guard to park outside the Chapter. A small group of protesters gathered in the morning, shouting that they should be allowed to enter the building to observe the parliamentarians.
“It’s a sad day for our country, isn’t it, when you have to have that kind of security around the people who were elected to represent you,” said Democratic Sen. Patty Kuderer. “Unfortunately, we live in troubled times and I think we will pass, but it will take a long time and a lot of effort.”
In Missouri, the inauguration of Republican government Mike Parson took place Monday without incident. Concrete barriers and additional police – both typical precautions – surrounded the Chapter grounds, where less than 2,000 people gathered. Parson later told reporters that security measures would be taken at possible future demonstrations, although it was not specific.
Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a Republican, said he was concerned about protests at state chapters planned for next weekend and called for more security at the Kansas Highway Patrol.
“We hope that things, the people, remain calm and the democratic process can continue,” Ryckman said.
Oregon State Police will hold security classes on Tuesday and Wednesday for those working in the State Chapter, including journalists.
In Michigan, where armed protesters against coronavirus restrictions entered the Capitol last year, there was little discussion as the open arms ban was approved. Michigan lawmakers will return to the session on Wednesday.
Some of the anti-government extremists accused of plotting to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have taken part in previous blockade 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 posts promoting state house marches and would make security improvements “both seen and unseen” at the Capitol for the next few weeks, said Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner.
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Associated Press writers Jeff Amy of 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 of Salem, Oregon, contributed to this report.