Credit: PA Internet News Service
In the wake of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pennsylvania authorities have increased security at the state capitol complex and across the commonwealth.
Since last week’s attack in Washington D.C. that ended with five deaths and a wave of arrests and federal investigations, the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex in Harrisburg has had a visibly increased security posture that has included officers in tactical gear and barricades being placed outside the ornate building that houses the office of the governor, lieutenant governor, and chambers of the legislature.
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During a Thursday afternoon briefing, state security officials said approximately 400 Pennsylvania National Guard members will be called up over the coming days. Some will be based in Harrisburg and the final destinations on the deployments for the rest will be determined.
Pennsylvania Capitol Police, which oversee law enforcement duties for the complex, are “enhancing its visible presence and will continue to collaborate with other law enforcement entities,” said Pennsylvania Department of General Services’ Director of Communications Troy Thompson said.
The Pennsylvania State Police said they are working with capitol police and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency on protection for the complex.
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Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. Scott Price, the deputy commissioner of operations, said troopers will have many additional resources, including mounted patrols, air support, and explosive experts, deployed to Harrisburg. Around the state, troopers will be on alert and resources will be staged for an “immediate response capability.”
ABC News reported this week on an internal FBI bulletin that warns of violent threats against state capitol complexes across the nation.
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Federal law enforcement officials, according to the ABC News report, advised police to increase security at capitols.
“This is an evolving situation,” Price said.
In addition to existing capitol security forces, the national guard members, and state police, officials said they are able to call on additional state law enforcement resources if needed.
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Joseph Jacob, the superintendent for the capitol police, said increased security measures would continue at the capitol complex for as long as needed.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The state capitol complex connects via underground tunnels to a number of office buildings. Entranceways have metal detectors and security screeners. The complex has been closed to most visitors since December due to COVID-19 and will be closed entirely for two days next week due to concerns for safety.
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The Pennsylvania Capitol Police are about 100 officers strong and conduct patrols on foot, in marked patrol vehicles, and on bicycles in and around the complex. The state House of Representatives and Senate also operate small security forces in Harrisburg.
The capitol police force has responded to protests at the complex in the past, including following COVID-19 mitigation closures and Black Lives Matter marches. A review of recent activity logs for the agency shows they have assisted Harrisburg police with homicide and shooting investigations, arrested suspected DUI drivers, and taken reports of threats made to state officials.
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Ryan Tarkowski, communications director for the state police, said Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC) is based in Harrisburg. He said the center is an information hub for federal, state, and local law enforcement to share intelligence and information on crimes and threats.
“It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with trained analysts who provide law enforcement with intelligence and investigative information. We are confident that PSP has the resources in place to protect Pennsylvanians against threats and to collaborate with all levels of law enforcement to keep the Commonwealth safe,” he said.
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Jacob said law enforcement is keeping tabs of online posts about potential violence that could happen over the coming week. He said one online notice urged people who could not make it to Washington D.C. to head toward their state capitals.
Following threats against Gov. Tom Wolf and other governors across the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not been confirmed whether protective policing around the first and second families has been increased.
State police troopers in plainclothes provide round-the-clock protection for the governor and First Lady Frances Wolf. They also provide protection for Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Second Lady Gisele Fetterman.
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Troopers offer security at home and when traveling for the first and second families. It’s not uncommon before an event featuring the governor to see troopers scoping out the area for threats.
Federal authorities in fall busted a plot to overthrow Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer by an extremist group that had trained with firearms and explosive devices. Federal authorities allege the group also hoped to overtake the Michigan capitol building.
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Pennsylvania legislative leaders and most cabinet secretaries are not assigned regular security details.
“If deemed necessary, additional PSP resources may be deployed strategically (and sometimes in concert with state and local partners) to ensure the safety and security,” said Tarkowski.
Price, who heads operations for the state police, asked citizens to report things they think are suspicious or may suggest something nefarious is being planned. He urged Pennsylvanians to call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress or submit information via tips@pa.gov.
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