AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The State Capitol grounds were blanketed with armed Texas State Troopers on Sunday and will be through the Presidential inauguration on Wednesday.
The increased security comes in the wake of the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol building this month.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said last week that the Capitol building would be closed through Wednesday after learning that several armed protests were planned in Austin.
Several armed groups showed up to Capitol perimeter with dozens of men and women Sunday afternoon.
“This is about the second amendment,” said organizer Benjamin Hawke. “I don’t care who’s President. It’s bad timing but we weren’t going to let fear stop us from having our voices heard.”
Hawke said the event had been planned for months and that it would be peaceful.
Tourists were dissapointed the Capitol was closed but understood the tightened security.
“It’s better safe than sorry,” a tourist insisted.
Security has been beefed up at state capitol buildings across the country.
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