INCREASED SECURITY
Law enforcement discuss preparations ahead of presidential inauguration
LATHAM, N.Y. » Law enforcement partners at all levels gathered for a joint press conference Friday afternoon at Troop G headquarters in Latham. Leaders from State Police, Albany police, and the FBI, all discussed their security preparations ahead of the presidential inauguration next week.
This comes more than a week after the U.S. Capitol was under siege from an attempted coup and as warnings circulate for similar potential unrest all 50 State Capitol’s next week.
“We’re here [Friday] to provide an update on security efforts as we prepare for possible protests at the New York State Capitol
in Albany, leading up to the presidential inauguration,” Troop G Commander, Major R. Christopher West said.
“After the events at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. last week, the State Police working with our partners took immediate steps to increase security in and around Capitol in Albany,” West continued.
“That included closing [the] State Street entrance to the Capitol and requesting the closure of State Street to motor vehicle traffic,” West explained on safety precautions taken in response.
West made it clear that unlike at the U.S. Capitol, their officers would not be caught off guard or overwhelmed by potential rioters.
“We’re also aware of information that groups have been advocating for armed protests at state capitols nationwide ahead of the inauguration,” West remarked.
“While there’s no credible threat to Albany, we still have taken additional steps to increase security and develop response plans with our partners,” West continued.
“Those plans include an increase in the number of State Police members deployed in and around the Capitol. The National Guard will also be on standby for response,” West added on their readiness.
Due to not wanting to compromise the safety of the public and law enforcement, West wouldn’t reveal precisely what their deployment numbers or strategies would but sought to reassure the public that they are ready to respond.
“Protests are nothing
new to Albany or the State Capitol, we handle dozens every year. And we work closely with the FBI, Albany Police Department and the County Sheriff’s Office to ensure the safety of protesters and the public,” West explained.
“We have no problem with peaceful protests. However, we want to make sure this is clearly understood, anyone who comes to the Capitol with the intention of causing violence or damage to public property will be arrested. We
have zero-tolerance for anyone who incites or causes any violence,” West added on the seriousness of their mission.
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins also spoke to the cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies at all levels.
“This is a visible display of the partnerships we have at all levels of law enforcement in this area,” Hawkins stated.
“And we’re sending a strong message at federal, state, county and local levels that we’re prepared to deal with any threats that may present themselves now or that may emerge as we move forward in this area,” Hawkins added on the unified response.
Thomas Relford, the special agent in charge of the Albany FBI Field Office, also commented on the joint efforts of law enforcement.
“It’s important to note that this happens each and every day, not just for events like this but every day we’re talking to one another. We’re one team in one fight, trying to protect this community,” Relford noted on the constant discussions between all levels of law enforcement.
Relford reiterated the message that those aiming to do harm would be met with the full force of the law.
“Make no mistake about it, if you break the law you will be met with the full force of all of our agencies,” Relford said.
“You will be arrested, face trial and potentially go to jail,” Relford continued regarding possible consequences.
“We remain dedicated to protecting your First Amendment rights but we will not stand for anyone who wants to break the law,” Relford added.