Extra security is in place at Ohio's Statehouse.Concerns of armed protests and potential violence are looming in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.On Sunday, people peacefully protested in Columbus, but the security plans will be just as stringent in the coming days.The FBI has warned of potential armed protests across the country.Officials said nationwide protests may start this weekend and go through the inauguration, and despite calm protests so far, leaders said they've prepared for much worse.Windows are boarded up and metal fencing is all around the statehouse.Peaceful protests served as a test run for safety measures put in place ahead of Inauguration Day."We are planning for the worst case scenario," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said last week.580 Ohio National Guard members have been activated to assist local law enforcement and Ohio state troopers are backing up Columbus police, officials said.The FBI has warned of armed protests at all 50 state capitols and in Washington, D.C. leading up to Jan. 20."In the coming days, we will not allow violence and destruction to be a part of our city," Ginther said.Sunday, supporters for President Donald Trump and President-Elect Joe Biden converged on capitol grounds.A man from our area, known as the "Dancing Trucker" made a call for peace."I love to dance. It helps me. It helps people that watch me dance. I usually dance for smiles, but today I'm dancing for peace," John Drury said.Armed protesters came to make a peaceful statement, with one man who said his gun was to ensure his First Amendment right.Some held a megaphone instead, but there were also signs, Black Lives Matter clothing, Biden-Harris flags and American flags.Officials hope this peace continues into the coming days."Police will be highly visible and we will be wearing body worn cameras. People caught on video or in photos who engage in illegal acts should expect to have their images released to identify law breakers to hold accountable," Columbus Police Chief Tom Quinlan said.This time, there were dozens of protesters, but officials are prepared for what may come next.Late last week, Gov. Mike DeWine said there have been direct threats on the Ohio Statehouse, but would not go into detail.The statehouse and all other state buildings in Columbus are closed through Wednesday.Officials are asking people to stay out of the downtown area during that time.DeWine has also authorized 1,000 members of the Ohio National Guard to help in Washington, D.C.He said the move comes after a request from the U.S. National Guard Bureau.
Extra security is in place at Ohio's Statehouse.
Concerns of armed protests and potential violence are looming in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.
On Sunday, people peacefully protested in Columbus, but the security plans will be just as stringent in the coming days.
The FBI has warned of potential armed protests across the country.
Officials said nationwide protests may start this weekend and go through the inauguration, and despite calm protests so far, leaders said they've prepared for much worse.
Windows are boarded up and metal fencing is all around the statehouse.
Peaceful protests served as a test run for safety measures put in place ahead of Inauguration Day.
"We are planning for the worst case scenario," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said last week.
580 Ohio National Guard members have been activated to assist local law enforcement and Ohio state troopers are backing up Columbus police, officials said.
The FBI has warned of armed protests at all 50 state capitols and in Washington, D.C. leading up to Jan. 20.
"In the coming days, we will not allow violence and destruction to be a part of our city," Ginther said.
Sunday, supporters for President Donald Trump and President-Elect Joe Biden converged on capitol grounds.
A man from our area, known as the "Dancing Trucker" made a call for peace.
"I love to dance. It helps me. It helps people that watch me dance. I usually dance for smiles, but today I'm dancing for peace," John Drury said.
Armed protesters came to make a peaceful statement, with one man who said his gun was to ensure his First Amendment right.
Some held a megaphone instead, but there were also signs, Black Lives Matter clothing, Biden-Harris flags and American flags.
Officials hope this peace continues into the coming days.
"Police will be highly visible and we will be wearing body worn cameras. People caught on video or in photos who engage in illegal acts should expect to have their images released to identify law breakers to hold accountable," Columbus Police Chief Tom Quinlan said.
This time, there were dozens of protesters, but officials are prepared for what may come next.
Late last week, Gov. Mike DeWine said there have been direct threats on the Ohio Statehouse, but would not go into detail.
The statehouse and all other state buildings in Columbus are closed through Wednesday.
Officials are asking people to stay out of the downtown area during that time.
DeWine has also authorized 1,000 members of the Ohio National Guard to help in Washington, D.C.
He said the move comes after a request from the U.S. National Guard Bureau.
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