Potential Protests in Albany – Is Our Capitol Building Secure?

The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden will take place in Washington D.C. on Wednesday January 20th. Two weeks to the day after the exact same location, the Capitol Building, was breached by protestors. Following the events of January 6th, security at our New York State Capitol and at capitol's around the United States will be stepping up.

First reported by News 10 ABC the FBI issued an internal bulletin that warns of potential nationwide protests between now and the inauguration ceremony. According to two law enforcement officials who read details of the memo to The Associated Press. “Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the U.S. Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The New York State Police state that there are no active, credible threats to the State Capitol in Albany. New York State Police spokesman Beau Duffy said in a statement, "Given recent events in Washington and across the country, the New York State Police has, out of an abundance of caution, taken steps to harden security in and around the State Capitol in Albany. These restrictions are in place until further notice.”

Although officials are reluctant to reveal all measures taken, according to The Times these are a couple of the the steps to secure the building and surrounding area.

• Concrete barriers now block the street that encircles the seven-acre statehouse. This could include South Swan Street, State Street and Eagle Street
• Some of the entrances in and out of the state capitol are closed

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