Updated: 6:14 PM EST Jan 15, 2021
There is increased security at the Pennsylvania Capitol after a warning from the FBI about calls for armed protests at statehouses around the country.High-intensity lights were positioned around the building Friday afternoon, and police were seen patrolling the perimeter. Orange barricades are blocking multiple entrances.Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in a video posted on Twitter that people should expect to see a strong police presence throughout the city. Hundreds of officers will be mobilized, he said.Papenfuse said traffic will be restricted around the Capitol complex on Sunday.“The Capitol will be defended. Harrisburg will be protected, and we will make it through this challenging time together,” Papenfuse said.Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of General Services said there are no new threats.Two libraries to close SaturdayThe Dauphin County Library System announced it is closing two Harrisburg locations Saturday.There are worries the McCormick Riverfront Library on Walnut Street and the Madeline L. Olewine Memorial Library on North Third Street could be targeted if protesters show up.“We fervently hope that any protests remain peaceful; however, we feel it is important to err on the side of caution to keep our staff and visitors safe. Given the increased security throughout downtown Harrisburg due to potential threats, we think it is best to keep both locations closed until we are sure the situation is safe,” said Karen Cullings, the library system’s executive director.Mailboxes to be removed TuesdayTen U.S. Postal Service mailboxes near the Capitol will be temporarily taken out of service on Tuesday.The USPS said it’s a precautionary measure to protect postal property, employees and the public.Law enforcement officials outline plans to protect CapitolA few hundred members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will be brought in to protect the state Capitol and other potential targets of unrest and violence in the week ahead, authorities said Thursday.Law enforcement leaders said plans to handle any potential violence toward the Capitol include blocking off streets in Harrisburg and using helicopters, drones and horse-mounted officers.“The Pennsylvania Capitol Police has the full support of Pennsylvania State Police and access to the significant resources we bring to bear,” state police Lt. Col. Scott Price said during an online briefing.The focus of their plans is on Sunday, when armed marches to statehouses around the country by supporters of President Donald Trump could occur. Police said they know of no specific threat to the Pennsylvania Capitol but are taking precautions because of what they called generalized intelligence.Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday ordered the Pennsylvania Capitol closed for two days next week around the swearing-in of three statewide officials and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.The complex is already closed to the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic, and most Capitol employees under Wolf’s jurisdiction currently work remotely. But the new order advises employees who report to work in person to take off Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday is a holiday.“While we are not aware of any specific threats at this time, we want to act with an abundance of caution to keep employees safe,” Wolf’s Office of Administration said on its website.Tuesday will be the swearing-in of three statewide elected officials: Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Auditor General-elect Tim DeFoor and Treasurer-elect Stacy Garrity. Biden is being inaugurated Wednesday in Washington.Meanwhile, the state Senate said its offices will close for five days, Saturday through Wednesday, a decision made in consultation with law enforcement.In recent days, Capitol Police have tried to become more visible inside and outside of the building, and have erected orange plastic barriers, in light of last week’s violent siege of the U.S. Capitol.State capitols around the United States have heightened security after the attack in Washington. The FBI has warned there are calls for armed protests at statehouses and in Washington on Sunday and ahead of Biden’s inauguration.The Associated Press contributed to this report.