Security restrictions in place at Minnesota State Capitol ahead of possible protests
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- A security fence is in place around the Minnesota State Capitol building. Photographed on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. The fence was installed during the civil unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd. (John Autey / MediaNews Group / St. Paul Pioneer Press via Getty Images / Associated Press)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Security restrictions are in place at the Minnesota State Capitol ahead of possible protests over the next several days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is asking people who do not have a planned activity or business at the Capitol to consider visiting at another time, according to a news release.
DPS says some of the security measures will be visible to the public, but not all. People should expect to see State Patrol troopers, Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and National Guard soldiers patrolling the Capitol. The fence that was put up around the Capitol during the unrest over the summer remains in place.
There will also be traffic restrictions in place around the Capitol. Foot traffic will be allowed, but only state agency employees, contractors, deliveries and those will official state business will be able to drive in the restricted area.
Gov. Tim Walz activated the Guard on Wednesday in response to an FBI bulletin warning of planned armed protests at all 50 U.S. capitals, including Minnesota's, following last week's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
DPS is asking people to report suspicious activity near the Capitol to 911.