Insurrection 2021
mickeyrat
Posts: 39,267
Reports: Pro-Trump 'armed march' on Ohio Statehouse planned for this weekend
Citing security concerns, state officials declined to discuss preparations ahead of reports that supporters of embattled President Donald Trump plan an "armed march" on state capitols, including Columbus, on Sunday.
The Washington Post reported far-right online forums talked of planning for "an armed march on all state capitals" and included specific mention of Columbus following the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob on Wednesday.
A couple hundred pro- and anti-Trump protesters clashed outside the Statehouse at a "Stop the Steal" rally on Wednesday as a mob of thousands gathered in Washington D.C. to sack the Capitol in the mistaken belief the election was stolen from Trump.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which is responsible for security at the Statehouse, cannot comment on planning due to security concerns, said Staff Lt. Craig Cvetan, patrol spokesman.
"Security is something we are continually evaluating and taking actions to enhance," he said.
"We work with local law enforcement partners to maintain a safe environment so everyone can exercise their constitutional rights while protecting the property at the Statehouse," Cvetan said.
Likewise citing security concerns, the office of Gov. Mike DeWine declined comment on any expanded security presence at the Statehouse and whether assistance would be sought from the Ohio National Guard.
A spokesman for the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, which operates the Statehouse and grounds, said it was working with the State Highway Patrol and "continuing to monitor the situation."
Comment was being sought from Columbus officials on what role city police might play in monitoring any protest.
Twenty-eight windows were broken at the Statehouse and other property damaged on May 28 amid protests over the death of George Floyd at the knee of a police officer and calls for racial justice and equality.
Weeks later, the Statehouse was vandalized on June 18 with red paint, including hand prints protesters said symbolized Black victims of police brutality.
Trump won Ohio's electoral votes for the second time in November's election, winning the state by eight percentage points over Democrat President-elect Joe Biden.
rludlow@dispatch.com
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14