ATLANTA – State capitols across the nation stepped up safety this week, deploying Nationwide Guard items, SWAT groups, and additional cops whereas a number of legislatures convened amid heightened security issues following final week’s violence on the U.S. Capitol.
The protections got here because the FBI issued a bulletin warning of plans for armed protests in any respect 50 state capitals and in Washington forward of President-elect Joe Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
Final week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed an government order extending the readiness of the Georgia Nationwide Guard to reply to threats to state properties. On Tuesday, he held a joint press convention with Main Basic Thomas Carden, Adjutant Basic of the Georgia Division of Protection; and Colonel Chris Wright, Commissioner of the Georgia Division of Public Security, within the Rotunda to addressed safety issues.
“I need to guarantee everybody from legislators, employees, guests…we take the protection and safety of the Capitol and the folks right here very severely. Given the disgraceful, un-American acts that we noticed on the U.S. Capitol,” Kemp stated. “Regulation-breaking like we noticed final week is not going to be tolerated.”
“The Division of Public Security continues to observe protest exercise and to guage safety measures on Capitol Hill. We now have a strategic plan to offer a secure and safe atmosphere on the Capitol. As at all times, we are going to proceed to help those that want to train their First Modification rights in a peaceable method. Nevertheless, we is not going to tolerate any illegal habits or threats of violence or harm to state property. We’re ready to reply within the acceptable method as we have now at all times completed prior to now,” stated Colonel Wright, who additionally burdened anybody caught violating the legislation might be handled swiftly and accordingly.
In October, work started on an 8-foot tall metallic bar fence with spikes on prime of it that may encompass a great portion of the Capitol constructing in Atlanta. Safety was additionally tightened on the governor’s mansion in Buckhead. In all, the state spent about $5 million on safety upgrades.
Anybody who sees one thing suspicious is requested to contact their native legislation enforcement officers.
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