US leaders tighten security in nation’s state capitals amid experts’ concerns of more violence

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The FBI has warned of reports that “armed protests” are planned at all 50 state capitals and the US Capitol in Washington in the days leading up to January 20. A joint bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and eight other agencies says domestic extremists pose the most likely threat to the presidential nomination – especially those who believe the incoming administration is illegitimate.

“As someone who worked on Al Qaeda linked terrorism throughout the 2000s in the Justice Department and worked extensively on investigations and counterterrorism cases, we repeatedly anticipated an attack following a global event, ”Carrie Cordero, a CNN legal and national security analyst, said Saturday. “I have the same feeling now.”

“It feels like there is a substantial threat,” Cordero added.

In response, state leaders across the United States are stepping up security around their Capitol Hill – luring members of the National Guard for help, erecting barriers, closing windows, asking for help. residents to avoid the area and some even completely closing the Capitol grounds.

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In Washington, DC, the Pentagon cleared up to 25,000 National Guard members for inauguration day. Members of the National Guard supporting the security of the U.S. Capitol will be armed, according to the Department of Defense.

The rehearsal of the dedication ceremony will now be delayed for a day amid heightened security concerns, Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli said. Cuccinelli cited an “online chatter” about the previously scheduled rehearsal day on Sunday, but said there was “no specific credible threat.”

“The decision was made to delay a day and leave the Secret Service in a position, as well as the entire Washington metro area team, to be ready to respond that day if necessary,” he said. he declares.

DC Mayor urges Americans to watch home grand opening

The U.S. Capitol is seen behind a barbed wire fence on Saturday in Washington.

The enhanced security, combined with the Covid-19 pandemic, makes it a groundbreaking day like no other.

In a walled neighborhood in Washington, DC, fences blocked areas once open to the public, members of the National Guard patrolled near the Capitol, and much of the city was closed to vehicles and road traffic.

Mayor Muriel Bowser urged Americans to enjoy the grand opening practically from their homes and asked anyone who does not need to step outside to avoid restricted areas.

“Our goals right now are to encourage Americans to participate virtually and to protect the District of Columbia from a repeat of the violent insurgency experienced on Capitol Hill and its grounds on January 6,” Bowser said at a conference press release Monday.

Members of the National Guard stand outside the U.S. Capitol Thursday in Washington.

U.S. Capitol Police on Friday arrested a Virginia man as he attempted to pass a police checkpoint with unauthorized inaugural credentials, an unregistered handgun and more than 500 ammunition cartridges, according to court documents.

In an interview with the Washington Post, the man said he spent the last week working as a security guard in Washington, DC, and received credentials to protect media equipment . He told the Post he forgot he had his gun in his car when he left his home in Virginia, where he said he had a license to carry.

Due to concern over possible protests in state capitals, security measures are in place across the country. The US Postal Service has temporarily removed some mailboxes in several major cities, while the Transportation Security Administration said Friday it had “significantly strengthened its security posture.”

The House Oversight Committee also sent letters Thursday to more than two dozen bus operators, car rental companies and hotels asking for help “to identify and prevent the continuing threat. and extreme further violent attacks in Washington, DC and elsewhere over the next several years. “

“ Nothing is left out ”: States close, arm their capitals

A prohibition sign is seen on the steps of the State Capitol on Saturday in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Meanwhile, local and state leaders from coast to coast have stepped up security for the days to come amid warnings from officials of potentially more violence.

In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the state capitol grounds would be fully closed on Sunday to “keep everyone safe – both on or around the grounds and in the neighborhoods surrounding” the Capitol. .

“Domestic terror is never acceptable,” he said in a statement. “We have to stop it every time we see it, and we cannot let what we saw on Capitol Hill become a new standard for this country.”

Texas officials also said the State Capitol and its grounds will remain closed from Saturday to Wednesday, adding they were aware of “planned armed protests” and “violent extremists who may seek to exploit protected events. by the Constitution to carry out criminal acts “.

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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency linked to the inauguration, to allow the state to “more effectively coordinate its support and provide assistance” to its local jurisdictions and neighboring states, the governor’s office said Friday.

Minnesota leaders said on Friday they were ready ahead of planned protests, noting that there were no credible threats against the state Capitol.

“I want you all to be comfortable and assured that nothing has been left out to ensure the safety of the Capitol,” Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said.

“We are not panicking,” added Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We are worried, we are vigilant and we are ready.”

In South Carolina, Columbia city officials have advised anyone who does not need to be in the downtown area near the State Capitol to stay at home.

“Unless there is a need this weekend, and certainly the opening day, to be downtown,” said Mayor Stephen Benjamin, “I encourage you to stay home” .

Priscilla Alvarez, Greg Wallace, Lauren Fox, Hollie Silverman, Raja Razek, Ross Levitt, Artemis Moshtaghian, Manu Raju, Jamie Crawford and Whitney Wild, Jon Passantino, Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.

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