Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced he’s activated the California National Guard to protect "critical state infrastructure in and around the state Capitol" as fears of unrest grow over the inauguration of the Biden administration.
The initial deployment order is for up to 1,000 members of the guard to support the California Highway Patrol. Gov. Newsom said a temporary security perimeter will be going up around the Capitol on Thursday.
"As our nation prepares for a peaceful transition of power for the incoming Biden administration, we’re taking important steps here in California in light of what we saw in our nation’s Capitol just last week," the governor said in a video posted to Twitter on Thursday.
The governor said the state’s Office of Emergency Services is "actively working with federal and local law enforcement" in assessing incoming threats, but didn’t specify any targets or dates.
"We will respond to any potential violent civil unrest leading up to or during the inaugural, if required," Gov. Newsom added. "We’re treating this very seriously and deploying significant resources to protect public safety, critical infrastructure and first amendment rights."
He emphasized "no tolerance for violence" in making the announcement.
At least one pro-Trump protest at the state Capitol planned for this weekend was called off after the organizer reportedly wasn't able to get a permit.
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