Fencing around Minnesota Capitol going back up

Security fencing around the Minnesota Capitol is going back up.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the fencing is going back up after the Minnesota State Patrol requested it out of an abundance of caution due to several events planned next week.

Looking to the Department of Administration’s calendar, these include a Tuesday "Rights of Mahnomin" event, a Wednesday "Firelight Camp Walk to the Capitol" and a "Rights of Nature" ceremony Thursday. There are also multiple rallies — including "March for Voting Rights" and "Medical Freedom" events — Aug. 28.

According to Bruce Gordon, the director of communications for DPS, the increased fencing is supposed to help troopers protect the property and people without interfering with peaceful gatherings at the Capitol.

DPS added that there will be an increased security presence at the Capitol next week to ensure safety at the events, some of which are expected to include thousands of participants.