FBI

State Capitol Police Increase Security Amid FBI Warning

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State Capitol Police said they are increasing security amid a warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation about possible armed protests at all 50 states capitols beginning Saturday.

The State Capitol Police said they made security enhancements "as a result of current events that have occurred."

"I think 90 percent of the activity is all focused on Washington, DC right now, but we can't take our eye off the ball and a lot of the protests, there generating activity in or around state capitols," Gov. Ned Lamont said Tuesday.

State Capitol Police will be increasing security and K9s will be doing daily security sweeps of the Legislative Office Building, Legislative Office Garage, the Capitol Building and Capitol grounds and police will be “highly visible” inside and outside on campus.

State Capitol Police said they are in constant communication with Hartford police, state police, governor’s security, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

The Capitol grounds and the Legislative Office Garage are closed to the public for parking, bike rails have been put in place on the north and south sides of the capitol grounds and bike officers will be providing high visibility on the Capitol grounds and throughout the Capitol Campus.

“The Connecticut State Capitol Police has gone to great lengths to provide a safe and secure working environment and will continue to do so,” a statement from State Capitol Police says.

Lamont's message to law enforcement is to continue to do what they are doing, reach out to the protesters and do everything they can to keep the peace.

"I've got a high degree of confidence that they're going to get that job done," Lamont said.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump released a statement, calling for no violence, lawbreaking or vandalism.

"In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You," Trump said in a statement posted on the White House website.

In a statement on Monday, Brian Foley, spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Services and Management said, “Understand that we are constantly monitoring events and information. We are sharing information with our local, state and federal partners. While we are very focused on the safety of all, at this point, we can not get into specifics.”

During his news Monday news conference, Gov. Ned Lamont said, state, local and national agencies are working together, “tracking social media very, very carefully and so, we'll be ready, but I have a high degree of confidence that Connecticut is going to stay peaceful.”

He also said that the Connecticut National Guard stands ready to provide support to partners in DC, but at this point, no requests have been made.

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