Law Enforcement Scales Back Presence at State Capitol, Around Hartford

Connecticut law enforcement agencies were bracing for possible protests at the State Capitol in Hartford this weekend, but have now scaled back their presence after protests failed to materialize.

The FBI warned all 50 states to prepare for the potential that those armed protests could turn violent.

PHOTOS: Law Enforcement Prepares for Possible Protests at Conn. State Capitol

Extra officers and resources were brought in to help protect the State Capitol and to ensure everyone was safe throughout the day.

NEW: Humvees and @CT_STATE_POLICE are out and continue to make their rounds around the Capitol. Throughout the last hour, we’ve seen an increase in the amount of police cars and officers on the streets. @NBCConnecticut pic.twitter.com/kI9wiZC6Ll
— Dominique Moody (@dmoodytv) January 17, 2021

On Sunday afternoon, the Spokesperson for the Dept. of Emergency Services and Management Brian Foley said law enforcement resources were significantly scaling back at the State Capitol and other locations across Hartford. There are resources that are remaining on watch through the coming days, he added.

There is still a strong national guard/police/security presence throughout the #capitol area in #Hartford. But most of the streets are no longer closed. No large protest materialized at the capitol it had been suspected there might be one around noon time #nbcct @nbcconnecticut pic.twitter.com/Xl3T1gYFmb
— Len Besthoff 🇺🇸 (@lennbc) January 17, 2021

All of the streets that had been closed near the Capitol have reopened.

All the roads around the CT State Capitol are open. HPD will continue to monitor the situation with our federal state and local partners. We will keep you advised on any changes. Thank you.
— Hartford Police CT (@HartfordPolice) January 17, 2021

Saturday was also relatively quiet, but police did not let their guard down and made sure they remain prepared.

Law enforcement officers remain on high alert and ask anyone who sees anything suspicious to speak up.

Barrier fences are scattered around the entire parking lot including at all the entrances and exits. At least a dozen patrol cars have been set up throughout the last two days.

Hartford Jan 16, 2021

‘The Situation is Very Tense Right Now': Social Media Changes Amid Concerns of Future Violence

Capitol Riot Jan 17, 2021

Heavily Fortified Statehouses Around US See Small Protests

Capitol Police said they are committed to protecting the people's right to have their voices heard, protecting the people's building and the people's elected officials.

In the wake of an FBI memo to law enforcement agencies across the country warning of possible armed protests at all 50 state Capitols, officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven division said they not received any specific and substantiated threat to the state Capitol or other government buildings in our area.

In the days leading up to this weekend, canine security sweeps took place and troopers from Connecticut State Police and officers from Capitol Police were set up around Capitol Avenue.

"So we know that reporting any type of suspicious activity in a timely manner can mean our ability to prevent any type of violent crimes or terrorist attacks, so we want to ensure everyone out there has the ability to do so, and do so in a safe manner," said Connecticut State Police Trooper Josue Dorelus.

Though local agents say there’s been no substantiated threat to Connecticut, authorities aren’t taking any chances.

Law enforcement agencies said they're hoping those who might show up are able to express themselves peacefully and no arrests will have to be made.