SALEM, Oregon (AP) — The Oregon State Police said it is aware of “rumors” that armed groups are considering taking over the state Capitol and warned that anyone attempting that would be arrested.
The agency also asked Oregonians in a brief statement released late Wednesday to report anyone who may be planning an armed takeover to authorities.
Hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump — many of them armed — gathered Wednesday at the statehouse and burned a life-size puppet of Gov. Kate Brown, a Democrat, in effigy. Police in riot gear declared an unlawful assembly and cleared the demonstrators by the late afternoon.
One person was arrested on suspicion of harassment and disorderly conduct during the protest. A second man was arrested on trespassing charges after the protest when state troopers found him after nightfall trying to enter the Capitol while armed.
The pro-Trump crowd was rallying around false allegations of election fraud on the same day that that an angry mob stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Some of those in attendance were members of Proud Boys, a far-right wing group.
Prior to the protests, state office buildings around the Capitol were closed as authorities prepared for crowds and potential damage.
Salem has been the site of weekly protests since the November election and has seen violent clashes between pro-Trump demonstrators who falsely believe the election was stolen from him and opponents.
The post Oregon State Police warns against armed takeover of Capitol appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com
Oregon State Police warns against armed takeover of Capitol
More from PoliticsMore posts in Politics »
- Jefferson County prosecutor launching investigation over claims that $15,000 in public funds were misallocated
- American Falls City Council cancels Hindu invocation after community feedback
- Idaho lawmakers clash on lack of reproductive rights legislation as session nears end
- ‘I was very shocked.’ Idaho Legislature launches investigation into youth treatment homes
- Speaker Mike Johnson faces threat of ouster from Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene
More from RegionalMore posts in Regional »
- Idaho lawmakers clash on lack of reproductive rights legislation as session nears end
- Man who killed entire Kellogg family sentenced to life without parole
- Utah sheriff’s employee arrested for alleged sex acts with minor
- Are buses and planes full of undocumented immigrants being dropped off in eastern Idaho? Here’s what we found
- Boise hospital ambush suspects killed 2 others, including elderly man walking dogs, ISP says
Be First to Comment