AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Capitol grounds will be closed through President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration amid warnings of armed protests at statehouses across the country, authorities said Friday.
The announcement adds Texas to the growing list of states taking new safeguards following last week’s deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol. The Texas Department of Safety said the closure was done “out of an abundance of caution” and that additional personnel had been deployed, although it did not specify how many.
“The Texas Department of Public Safety is aware of armed protests planned at the Texas State Capitol this week and violent extremists who may seek to exploit constitutionally protected events to conduct criminal acts,” said Steve McCraw, the agency’s director.
More than 100 troopers in riot gear were stationed outside the Texas Capitol earlier this week as lawmakers began a new legislative session. An internal FBI bulletin has warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., in the days leading up Biden’ inauguration on Wednesday.
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