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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The head of the Wisconsin Capitol Police advised state lawmakers to keep away from the Capitol constructing this weekend and advised that they take away any private data from social media accounts attributable to threats of unrest at capitols in all 50 states.
Capitol Police Chief David Erwin advised lawmakers in a Thursday memo obtained by The Associated Press that they had been “not aware of specific credible threats to legislators; however, this remains an evolving situation and there continues to be active social media commentary regarding the threat of ongoing unrest.”
Although Erwin requested lawmakers to not be within the constructing this weekend, it didn’t advocate that they curtail regular legislative exercise subsequent week. Two public hearings are scheduled, however no conferences of the complete Senate or Assembly. Joe Biden is about to be inaugurated on Wednesday.
Law enforcement could have an “increased presence” within the Wisconsin Capitol subsequent week, lawmakers had been advised.
Gov. Tony Evers additionally activated an unspecified variety of National Guard troops to assist shield the Capitol, which has been closed to the general public since final spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. All of the first-floor home windows had been boarded up this week and Evers’ administration advised those that had been coming to work at he Capitol to as an alternative work remotely for the remainder of the month.
The governor stated Friday that he was receiving “constant” updates and that legislation enforcement was well-prepared. He additionally famous that the state Capitol remained closed to the general public because of the pandemic.
“There’s lots of rumors going around,” he stated, with out elaborating. “(But) we feel confident that we’re in a safe place here around the Capitol.”
Law enforcement officers had been lowering parking across the Capitol on Sunday and urging individuals to keep away from the realm as they braced for potential unrest. There was just one recognized organized occasion for the day, an anti-fascist demonstration the place free meals, drinks and garments had been to be distributed.
Madison’s police chief stated his division would have a heightened presence via Inauguration Day attributable to warnings of potential violence at state capitols, however he stated he wasn’t conscious of any particular threats in Wisconsin. Law enforcement officers had been urging the general public to be on excessive alert and to report any suspicious conduct.
Erwin additionally provided options within the memo about how lawmakers may stay secure, together with at residence, on social media and when receiving packages.
“Consider removing personally identifying information about your or your family so that it is not easily accessible,” the chief suggested.
He additionally wrote that lawmakers ought to preserve their properties’ doorways locked at their properties, even when current, and be on excessive alert for something uncommon.
“Trust your gut,” Erwin wrote. “If something doesn’t feel right, retreat to safety, and summon help.”
(© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This materials will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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