Security chief says no credible threats at Minnesota Capitol; plan in place for any protests, violence

Friday, Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota law enforcement leaders provided an update on security plans at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Earlier this week, the FBI warned of plans for armed protests in all 50 state capitals leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week.

While law enforcement is prepared, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said there aren’t any current credible threats on the State Capitol. Harrington noted there was an FBI bulletin in December that listed a possible threat at the Capitol but said "things change" and there aren’t any current credible threats, although law enforcement continues to look for possible threats.

Still, protests are expected at the State Capitol over the weekend and possibly next week.

Minnesota safety officials preparing for planned protests on State Capitol grounds

Harrington said he and law enforcement will protect Minnesotans’ rights to free speech and demonstrations as long as those are peaceful. However, he warned anyone planning to show up and commit violent acts.

"If you come to the Capitol with criminal intent on your mind, if you come to the Capitol to commit violent crimes, we will stop you and we will hold you accountable," Harrington said.

Walz added, "I want to be clear, there is going to be accountability," adding that he and law enforcement officials take all threats seriously.

The state’s plan for security at the Capitol includes officers from the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota National Guard, Harrington said.

He also said law enforcement will continue to have a presence there for as long as is needed to keep the peace, saying there’s no set end date.

But authorities also asked for help from Minnesotans.

Security officials urge Minnesotans to avoid state Capitol

State Patrol head Col. Matt Langer also encouraged citizens to tell law enforcement if they see or hear something that could help them. While it’s somewhat cliché and seems simple, Langer said it’s important and very helpful for law enforcement.

St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell added that they’ve been working with federal partners every day, saying he wanted to make sure Minnesotans feel safe because law enforcement is doing everything it can to ensure the safety of everyone.

State officials also addressed the violence at the U.S. Capitol last week.

St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell thanked U.S. Capitol police and law enforcement who "battled back for hours" against people "trying to overthrow our government and potentially kidnap elected officials." He called the attack "disgusting" and said it’s something he never thought he’d see.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, adjutant general of the National Guard, said Minnesota is sending more than 850 Guardsmen to support missions in Washington, D.C., ahead of the inauguration to ensure that violence doesn’t happen again. More than 21,000 troops from across the country are set to assist with security at the nation’s Capitol for the inauguration.