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ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — Gov. Tim Walz says that he will sign an executive order later today or tomorrow to activate the National Guarde, following an attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week.
The storming of the U.S. Capitol last week by President Donald Trump’s supporters has raised concerns about the potential for more violence. The FBI has warned of the potential for armed protest at all 50 statehouses and in Washington ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration next week.
“Plans are in place,” Walz said Wednesday.
Walz added that Minnesota lawmakers are “rightfully concerned” about threats to their own safety. He said the state is standing up 24/7 hotlines to connect them to state resources, along with coordination with local police.
NEW: Gov. Tim Walz said he will sign an executive order either “later today or tomorrow” to activate the national Guard for the next several days to prepare for potential protests/violence at the Minnesota Capitol.
“Plans are in place,” he said. @WCCO
— Caroline Cummings (@CaroRCummings) January 12, 2021
Trump supporters in Minnesota held a “Storm the Capitol” rally outside the Capitol in St. Paul on Wednesday, with one speaker warning of “a civil war,” and another drawing cheers when she predicted “casualties” in Washington. Walz revealed at a legislative forum Monday that state troopers evacuated his son from the governor’s residence when the crowd later moved its demonstration there.
Separately, the city of Minneapolis confirmed Tuesday that two city employees accused of being at the U.S. Capitol complex during last week’s insurrection are being investigated. A city spokeswoman referred questions to the FBI, where spokesman Kevin Smith said he had no initial information on the employees.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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