State Capitol closing; more security being added

HARRISBURG » Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday ordered the Pennsylvania Capitol closed for two days next week around the swearingin of three statewide officials and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The complex is already closed to the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic, and most Capitol employees under Wolf’s jurisdiction currently work remotely. But the new order advises employees who report to work in person to take off Tuesday and Wednesday.

“While we are not aware of any specific threats at this time, we want to act with an abundance of caution to keep employees safe,” Wolf’s Office of Administration said on its website.

Next Tuesday will be the swearing-in of three statewide elected officials: Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Auditor General-elect Tim DeFoor and Treasurerelect Stacy Garrity. Biden is being inaugurated Wednesday in Washington.

Meanwhile, the state Senate said its offices will close for five days, Saturday through Wednesday.

“After consulting with law enforcement, it was recommended that Senate offices implement a workfrom-home policy for Tuesday and Wednesday of next week,” Senate Republican spokesperson Jennifer Kocher said.

The agency that protects the Pennsylvania Capitol is bolstering security measures, adding police officers inside and out and erecting barriers in recent days, in light of last week’s violent siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Police continue to monitor the potential for violence or unrest in Harrisburg,

said Troy Thompson, a spokesperson for the Department of General Services.

State capitols around the United States have heightened security after the attack in Washington. The FBI has warned there are calls for armed protests at state capitals and in Washington on Sunday and ahead of Biden’s inauguration.