Law enforcement agencies nationwide braced for protests by armed demonstrators nationwide
Nearly 100 armed protesters gathered outside the statehouse in Lansing, Michigan on Sunday
Similar protests were seen in New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Georgia, and Arizona
Washington D.C. has become a fortress with nearly 25,000 National Guard troops called on to protect the capital ahead of Joe Biden s inauguration on Wednesday
Despite the heavy military presence, a Virginia man, 22, was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm in Washington, DC, on Sunday morning
Guy Berry of Gordonsville was seen on Massachusetts Avenue with a gun clearly visible in a holster
The state said it would maintain a strong law enforcement presence at the complex and elsewhere in the event that rallies or other gatherings break the peace.
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Minnesota s top public safety officials said Friday they have detailed precautions set up ahead of weekend protests, but there are no credible threats against the Minnesota Capitol.
An FBI bulletin from the end of December said there was evidence that right-wing extremists would target the Minnesota and Michigan capitols on Sunday. But Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said that is dated material, and an FBI official told him during a briefing Friday morning that there is no credible immediate threat to Minnesota.
Harrington, Gov. Tim Walz and leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, St. Paul Police and State Patrol sought to reassure Minnesotans at a news conference amid concerns about violence breaking out.
As Minnesotans followed from afar as a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, WTIP spoke to Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen to see if he had any thoughts for the community. The sheriff was a reassuring voice that evening.
In recent days there have been news releases from the FBI, warning of the possibility of more violence in the days leading up to the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The reports have stated that armed rallies are planned for the Capitol buildings of all 50 states, as well as some local county and city buildings across the country.