No Protestors At FL Capitol Sunday, But Police Were Ready: Report

Miami FL

17 January, 2021

3:10 PM

Description

TALLAHASSEE, FL — No protestors had gathered at the Florida state capitol complex in Tallahassee Sunday despite an FBI warning of armed protests in all 50 state capitols and the U.S. Capitol in the days leading up to Joe Biden's inauguration, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. Still, law enforcement agencies and the Florida National Guard were ready in case protests broke out. The FBI issued its warning of potential violence across the country following the Jan. 6 pro-Trump riots protesting Biden's confirmation as the 46th president at the U.S. Capitol building. He'll be sworn in on Inauguration Day, which is Wednesday. Local, state and federal agencies are working together to secure the capitol complex, reports said. Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the National Guard Friday night in response to possible protests at the state capitol. Florida Highway Patrol cruisers were lined up on Apalachee Parkway Sunday morning, reports said. Members of other law enforcement agencies were stationed on the roof of Tallahassee City Hall and throughout the area. Around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey said there were no specific threats to the area, and no individual or group had applied for a permit to gather and protest near the capitol, reports said. "I hope nothing happens," he said during a press conference. "I hope that we continue to have the peaceful days in Tallahassee that we always do and that we enjoy. But hope alone is not a plan. We are prepared." One arrest has been made in connection with possible protests at the state capitol. A former U.S. Army soldier, Daniel Baker, was arrested Friday in Tallahassee after issuing "a call to arms for like-minded individuals to violently confront protestors gathered" at the state Capitol Sunday, the Department of Justice said.