(WWJ) Legislative leaders in Lansing say "credible threats" at the Michigan State Capitol have forced both the House and Senate to cancel scheduled sessions next week.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth, both Republicans, say the Michigan State Police, as well as House and Senate sergeants at arms, have expressed concern over the threats regarding events scheduled to take place at and around the State Capitol next week.
They say with no votes scheduled on the calendar from Jan. 19-21, they decided to act out of "an abundance of caution."
"We hope everyone stays safe and respects the peaceful transition of power, and we hope legislators and staff at the Capitol take time to thank the team of police officers and sergeants who work together to keep us all safe," Shirkey and Wentworth added, in a joint statement.
There's no word on the specifics of any of the alleged threats.
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Attorney General Dana Nessel said on a conference call with reporters that she supports the decision, but remains concerned about lawmakers' safety going forward.
"I don't know how you can possibly ensure the safety and security of these legislators if you are allow armed gunman into the building," Nessel said. "So, I'm thrilled that they decided to close down next week, because of the heightened sense of alert surrounding the inauguration .... But what about the week after that?"
On Monday, the Michigan Capitol Commission voted unanimously to ban the open carry of firearms in the Capitol building, but concealed carry of guns is still permitted.
Meanwhile, State Police Colonel Joe Gasper says increased efforts to protect people and property are underway.
The Michigan National Guard has also been activated.
"We have already increased our visible uniform presence, in an around the Capitol," Gasper said on Friday. "This increase in staffing started on Monday and will be in place at least mid-February."
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He added: "The security enhancements that we have made are both seen, such as the increase in uniformed personnel and a perimeter fence that will be installed around the Capitol today, and unseen — which are things that we have not intention of discussing or disclosing, because these efforts are meant to be covert."
With only five days to go before President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration, law enforcement officials say the U.S. faces an unprecedented threat of violent extremism from other Americans.
The FBI has said it expects armed protest at all 50 U.S. Capitols through Inauguration Day.