Pa. capital prepares for armed protest

The Capitol Complex in Harrisburg will be closed starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17 in anticipation of protests leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Capitol Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania National Guard members, as well as additional local law enforcement officials, will be in and around the Harrisburg area. The heightened security was implemented in response to FBI warnings that armed marches have been organized to take place at state capitals.

Street closures can be expected in the downtown area, Harrisburg police said on Friday.

“The Capitol Complex will be closed this Sunday starting at 10 a.m.,” Mayor Eric Papenfuse said. “That includes Commonwealth Avenue between Walnut and Foster Street and the streets behind it. The city will be closing Third Street in front of the Capitol and the 200 block of State Street.”

“Expect to see a strong police presence throughout Harrisburg and don’t be surprised if you see our police officers along with uniformed Pennsylvania National Guards,” Papenfuse said.