Major law enforcement presence assembles at state Capitol, but scene remains peaceful

A massive law enforcement presence assembled at the state Capitol Sunday following an FBI warning that violent armed protests were possible, but the scene in Hartford remained quiet.

News 12 Staff

Jan 18, 2021, 1:23 AM

Updated 1,356 days ago

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A massive law enforcement presence assembled at the state Capitol Sunday following an FBI warning that violent armed protests were possible, but the scene in Hartford remained quiet.
 Officials said that the fact that major demonstrations didn't materialize means that their messaging worked.
"I don't believe you can over-prepared for this type of situation. I'd rather be here next Friday telling you we over-prepared, as opposed to saying that we under-prepared," said Brian Foley, with the Dept. of Emergency Service and  Public Protection.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from local police to the National Guard were in the capital city today after the FBI warned of possible violent protests around the nation.
Foley says the last time the city saw this much security was when a president was in town. He says since many social media sites took down flyers related to violent protests, they had to take extra precautions. 
State police say to expect an increased presence throughout the week.
The Connecticut State Police tweeted this afternoon that they are "cautious, but optimistic" after Sunday, and that they will stay vigilant in the coming days. The Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services expressed similar sentiments,  saying in part - they will continue to coordinate through Wednesday's Inauguration.
Authorities are reminding citizens that anyone sees anything suspicious can call the tip hotline at 866-HLS-TIPS.
Hartford wasn't the only state capital on high alert today. The FBI warned protests were possible outside all 50 state capitol buildings this weekend. Much like Hartford, other protests across the country were peaceful.