RICHMOND, Va. (WJZ) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency ahead of Monday’s demonstration at the State Capitol.
Northam said they have credible intelligence from law enforcement agencies of threats of violence including”extremist rhetoric” similar to what was seen before in major incidents such as Charlottesville in 2017.
READ MORE: Maryland OKs COVID-19 Booster Shots For 'Anyone Who Needs One'“This intelligence suggests militia groups and hate groups, some from out of state, plan to come to the Capitol to disrupt our democratic process with acts of violence,” Gov. Northam said.
Based on these threats, I am declaring a state of emergency in Richmond from Friday evening until Tuesday evening. This will include a ban on weapons of any kind in Capitol Square during that time. Learn more here: https://t.co/k8bxLj6odF
READ MORE: COVID-19 In Maryland: State Has Administered Over 50K Booster Shots— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 15, 2020
He said the state of emergency includes a ban on weapons of any kind in Capitol Square. It extends from Friday, January 17 at 5 p.m. until Tuesday, January 21 at 5 p.m.
MORE NEWS: Pedestrian Who Left Rideshare Struck And Killed On JFX Overnight“We support citizens’ rights to peacefully protest and express their views to their elected officials. But we must also keep the public, as well as those who work around Capitol Square, safe,” he added.
