Statehouse Protected, Leaders Pleased After FBI's Protest Warning

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley is pleased with the city's protection of the statehouse last week. The FBI previously warned states that all their capitals could be the targets of armed protests before the presidential inauguration.

"There was a lot of anxiety about the threats that we all heard might be coming to state capitals," Buckley said in a Tuesday newsletter. "Luckily nothing came of it."

Buckley confirmed that he got the FBI's memo. City, county, state and federal emergency teams converged to investigate. They found no threats to the city, but they were still on high alert.

The group distributed flyers with information to every business downtown. Daily civic alerts kept residents informed. The Maryland State Police and Maryland Capitol Police ramped up their patrol around government buildings.

"This stuff doesn’t just happen," the mayor added. "It takes organization, coordination and a lot of long hours."

In the end, the statehouse was calm around Jan. 20's inauguration. President Joe Biden took office during a ceremony protected by more than 20,000 members of the National Guard, including 500 from Maryland.

"Luckily, it all went smoothly and we didn’t see a replay of what happened at the United States Capitol building," Buckley concluded. "I am grateful for their efforts and I know you all are too.

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