Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the state’s National Guard Wednesday following reports of potential armed protests at state capitols throughout the country, according to CBS Minnesota.
In a leaked report, the FBI warned that extremist groups are planning armed protests at a number of state capitol buildings leading up to the inauguration of President-elect, Joseph Biden on Jan. 20. The report specifically mentioned Minnesota due to the activities of a group known as the “Boogaloo Bois,” according to CBS Minnesota. (RELATED: We Had Five Reporters On The Ground For The Capital Hill Riot. Here’s What Really Happened.)
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – JUNE 03: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks to the press on June 3, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Guardsmen will work with the Minnesota State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, and local law enforcement agencies to protect the Minnesota Capitol Building and other critical areas, according to KSTP.
“We will always support Minnesotans’ First Amendment rights to peacefully protest, but anyone involved in violent, illegal activity will be held accountable,” Walz said, KSTP reported. “We are tracking reports and monitoring the situation closely to enhance our response and change tactics as needed.”
Many state’s are taking steps to tighten their security after protestors stormed the U.S. Capitol building last week, resulting in the deaths of five people, according to the The Washington Post. A number of states have already seen protests by groups objecting to the electoral process and Biden’s victory, according to NPR.