(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Whitmer says threats of violence across the country are "deeply concerning" — and they are being taking seriously by law enforcement in Lansing.
After last week's riot in Washington D.C., the FBI is warning that armed protests are planned in all 50 U.S. state capitals in the days leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden's Inauguration.
While Whitmer declined to share specifics about what law enforcement is doing to protect Michigan's State Capitol, she said she is confident that complex is safe.
"There is a lot of chatter that is being monitored both by our federal partners and by our state resources," the governor said at a news conference Wednesday.
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"As as for specific threat, there's not any to my knowledge, but we can see that the conversation nationally is focused on the 17th (of January)."
The governor said Michigan State Police are working with the National Guard and Lansing Police to keep the Capitol safe.
“We’re committed to doing everything within our power to make the Capitol and surrounding area as safe as possible,” Whitmer said. “The Michigan State Police has significant experience with large-scale protests. Demonstrations are a common occurrence at the Capitol and the majority of them, through pre-planning and preparedness, are peaceful events.”
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Whitmer's comments come a couple of days after a Lansing-area man was arrested for threatening to kill state representative, and calling in a bomb threat to the Capitol building. The 48-year-old from Eaton County faces a terrorism charge.
Last fall, more than a dozen men were arrested and charged in an alleged plot uncovered by the FBI to kidnap Whitmer herself.
"I can tell you, personally I know the feelings that accompany such threats," Whitmer said. "And I want to assure all the people of Michigan these will not be taken lightly."
"I've been in continual conversation with our partners in law enforcement so we can ensure the safety of Lansing of residents as well as the security of the downtown area and the Capitol complex ," she stressed.
With security in mind, the Michigan Capitol Commission on Monday voted unanimously to ban the open carry of firearms in the State Capitol building.
Michigan lawmakers will be back in session next week.
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