Trump supporters plan protest in downtown Columbus today
In the wake of the Jan. 6 deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol, reports that supporters of President Donald Trump are planning an armed march today in downtown Columbus have officials, businesses and residents preparing for potential turmoil.
Tightened access, closed buildings and boarded-up windows are among the steps being taken to keep the peace ahead of the expected Statehouse protest supporting Trump’s disproven claims the election was rigged against him.
What are officials expecting in Columbus?
State and city officials are preparing for protests ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden as national media have reported calls on farright forums for “an armed march on all state capitals,” including Columbus.
Downtown has seen at least one recent clash between pro- and anti-Trump
demonstrators. Trump supporters, including members of the Proud Boys, came to blows with a smaller group of counter-protesters Jan. 6 along South High Street not far from the Statehouse.
What kind of security is planned for today’s protest?
Columbus Police Cmdr. Smith Weir said Thursday morning the city would have hundreds of officers on duty today in the vicinity of Capitol Square, and Gov.
Mike DeWine has activated National Guard troops to support police if necessary.
On Thursday, DeWine announced a four-day closure of all state buildings — including the Statehouse — in downtown Columbus starting today. Workers have boarded up the ground-floor Statehouse windows, and some businesses are taking similar precautions.
There are no plans to announce a curfew or block traffic near the Statehouse, however, and officials are not planning to implement a firearms ban for the Statehouse grounds.
Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan has said peaceful protesters will not be targeted with tear gas or other chemical irritant sprays. Protests over the killing of George Floyd in late May that saw liberal use of such measures led to a change in police policy regarding chemical irritants.
Leaders have urged people to stay away from downtown
Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said: “We can’t give these folks the oxygen, because it just feeds the hate.”
“Stay home and stay away from the foolishness,” he said.
Quinlan asked people to avoid downtown from Sunday through Wednesday.
“Police will be highly visible,” Quinlan said. He said police will wear body cameras that will help to identify lawbreakers. “There will be no tolerance for illegal activities, property destruction,” he said.