State capitols tighten security, brace for unknown as far-right groups plot shows of strength
Members of the National Guard are seen behind a security fence at the U.S. Capitol on Friday. (Washington Post photo by Salwan Georges)
Published January 17. 2021 1:35AM | Updated January 17. 2021 2:03AM
Griff Witte, Tim Craig, Peter Whoriskey and Kayla Ruble, The Washington Post
State capitols nationwide locked down Saturday, with windows boarded up, National Guard troops deployed and states of emergency preemptively declared as authorities braced for potential violence Sunday mimicking the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters.
The extraordinary show of security at statehouses that are normally lightly guarded reflected the anxious state of the country ahead of planned demonstrations. It came just days before the presidential inauguration, an event normally rich with pageantry but one that this year has become a possible pretext for insurrection.
State leaders say volatile mix of groups could challenge law enforcement
Tim Craig, Holly Bailey and Matthew D. LaPlante, The Washington Post
Jan. 15, 2021
FacebookTwitterEmail
A barricade surrounds the perimeter of the North Carolina State Capitol as a pedestrian walks past on Jan. 15, 2021 in Raleigh, N.C.Washington Post photo by Joshua Lott
Governors and other local officials are worried that while high-profile groups like the Proud Boys are encouraging their members to stay away from protests this weekend, other heavily armed and politically motivated extremists could gather in state capitals, leading to violent clashes and creating anxiety for law enforcement trying to prepare, several top-ranking state officials said Friday.
Right-wing groups on chat apps like Telegram are swelling with new members after Parler disappeared and a backlash against Facebook and Twitter, making it harder for law enforcement to track
Although many governors say there are no credible threats against their capitols, states coast-to-coast are preparing for possible unrest in the coming days.