DENVER — The agency in charge of protecting the Colorado State Capitol said it is prepared for the potential of armed protests leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
The Colorado State Patrol released a statement Monday after the FBI warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C.
“We have been monitoring events on the national level and will continue to monitor for possible events in Colorado. We support all those who plan to peaceably assemble in order to exercise their first amendment rights,” the statement read in part.
An internal FBI bulletin warns that the nationwide protests may start later this week and extend through Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
The State Capitol is ground zero for any number of protests, marches and movements happening at any given time in Colorado. And this past summer, the building suffered extensive damage as peaceful protesting sometimes plunged into to destruction, chaos and vandalism.
But CSP officials said, “Our agency is prepared for this potential activity and emphasizes the importance of a peaceful approach that allows for safe public discourse for all.”
The agency would not disclose staffing or what measures it has in place, citing security reasons.
