Pa. Capitol Complex security increased following violence in D.C.

Less than a week after pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol in D.C., state officials have beefed up security at the state Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, increasing the “visible” presence of Capitol Police.

“The administration condemns the senseless acts of violence that occurred last week at our nation’s Capital that resulted in the loss of life,” Troy Thompson, a spokesperson for the Department of General Services told the Capital-Star. “Since that event, Pa. Capitol Police have been working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of those working in the building and the protection of our state Capitol.”

There are two Capitol Police officers in flak jackets, camo, and with rifles in the main rotunda.

— Stephen Caruso (@StephenJ_Caruso) January 11, 2021

The Capitol building has been closed to visitors since Dec. 3 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, after banning President Donald Trump from the platform, Twitter said, “Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021,” were a factor in the decision to suspend the account.

The department could not confirm an expiration date for the increased security presence, how many officers would be patrolling the area or whether there have been any threats to the Capitol Complex as of Monday.