- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
State officials plan heightened security ahead of presidential inauguration; CHP placed on tactical alert
In Washington, DC, heightened security already is in place following last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol Building.
In an interview with Lake County News on Thursday, Congressman Mike Thompson described how the U.S. Capitol Building is now surrounded by an 8-foot-tall fence topped with razor wire, with the National Mall closed.
“It’s a pretty heartbreaking situation,” Thompson said.
Earlier this week, the California Highway Patrol, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the California National Guard said they want to assure Californians that their collective agencies are working together and remain vigilant to respond to potential threats that may occur anywhere in the state, including the State Capitol.
“Collectively, we maintain strong relationships with our security and intelligence partners at the local, state and federal levels and are continually monitoring and sharing information about possible emerging threats to the state,” the agencies reported in a joint statement.
“Together, our role is to safeguard lives and property and ensure that California remains a safe place for those who live, work, and travel within the state while ensuring the ability of individuals and groups to lawfully exercise their First Amendment rights,” the statement added.
Gov. Gavin Newsom followed up by announcing a series of actions to bolster security in advance of the presidential inauguration.
“In light of events in our nation’s capital last week, California is taking important steps to protect public safety at the State Capitol, and across the state,” said Newsom. “Our State Operations Center is actively working with federal, state and local law enforcement partners in assessing threats and sharing intelligence and information to ensure those disgraceful actions are not repeated here.”
Newsom on Thursday signed a general order authorizing the deployment of 1,000 California National Guard personnel to protect critical infrastructure, including the State Capitol.
To prepare for and respond to any credible threats, the State Operations Center will coordinate 24-hour operations and requests for mutual aid for the coming days, Newsom’s office said. The Law Enforcement Coordination Center will be activated to its highest level to orchestrate overall law enforcement and physical security needs.
Officials said the CHP and Department of General Services have installed a 6-foot chain link fence around the perimeter of the State Capitol to ensure the safety of the Capitol grounds.
Newsom’s office said the administration, through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California Highway Patrol and California National Guard, maintains strong relationships with security and intelligence partners around the country and is continually monitoring for possible emerging threats to the state.
“We are prepared to address any potential threats that may arise. The Administration is also preparing to provide additional law enforcement resources through the Mutual Aid System as needed,” Newsom’s office said.
The governor and his team are also coordinating closely with local, state and federal law enforcement as well as the private sector – including social media companies – to make sure that their platforms are not used by hate groups or domestic terrorists to organize or spread misinformation, disinformation or propaganda.
On Friday, the state took another step to heighten security, with CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray announcing the CHP would go on tactical alert ahead of the presidential inauguration.
Ray said the CHP is prepared to respond to any potential threats which may arise statewide. “The protection of California highways and state buildings, including the Capitol, are the primary responsibility and jurisdiction of the CHP.”
She added, “Due to the potential for civil unrest related to the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, I have placed uniformed CHP personnel on tactical alert for an indefinite period. This allows for the maximization of resources to protect public safety as well as state buildings and infrastructure. The CHP will continue to monitor the situation and plan our resources accordingly.”
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