Head of the State Police Col. James Manni reiterated Friday the state has not been informed of any “credible threat” of violence in Rhode Island in the days leading up to the Presidential inauguration.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are implementing increased safety measures … to protect our statehouse, our infrastructure and our elected officials,” Manni said.
The statehouse is closed to the public, and lawmakers are currently meeting outside the building to maintain social distancing as a COVID-19 precaution. General Assembly staff continue to work in the statehouse. On Friday, two state police patrol vehicles sat at the edge of the statehouse lawn, facing downtown Providence.
“[State and Capitol Police] are taking all necessary precautions to keep legislators and staff safe,” said House spokesperson Larry Berman, Friday.
There will be no legislative sessions on January 20th, the day of the inauguration.
In the days since a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, Manni and local police have been in regular communication with state agencies and federal law enforcement, including the FBI.
The agency reportedly warned of violence in all 50 states, following the riot in Washington D.C., putting law enforcement on high alert around the nation.
“At this time, there are no substantiated threats regarding violence in and around the City of Providence,” said Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements in a statement issued Friday afternoon.
In downtown Providence several shopkeepers were unworried about the holiday weekend and the potential for unrest, and did not plan to close early or otherwise amend their schedules.
“There are approximately 3,000 police officers in the state statewide that at the municipal and state level that are fully prepared and are standing ready in the event we are needed,” Manni said.
With reports from Ian Donnis
