NJ Takes New Security Steps Due To Potential Capitol Violence

NEW JERSEY — Law enforcement officials in New Jersey have taken new steps to prepare for any potential violence at the state Capitol in the wake of riots that rocked Washington DC last week.

State workers will be staying home on Inauguration Day, which is Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday. The governor said state offices will be open only remotely that day out of an abundance of caution.

"We felt that that was the right thing to do, given the level of tension right now in the country," Murphy said.

"We all know we are comfortable with working remotely," New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan said. "We just thought that to help us facilitate security response measures, the fewer folks around Trenton, the better."

Also on Friday, Murphy said part of that response to protect the Statehouse in Trenton involves the National Guard.

"We're not going to comment on the specifics other than to say that the National Guard is obviously an element of the response that these folks have put together," Murphy said during a news conference Friday afternoon, reiterating that there is no specific threat to New Jersey at this time.

"If that changes, and we feel comfortable, we will not only take action but communicate that, assuming that does not compromise our ability to deal with that threat," Murphy said.

Murphy also implored residents to stay home on Sunday after the FBI last week warned of possible armed protests at state capitols, courthouses and administration buildings across the country.

"I would say it is good advice to lay low, and when you're laying low, remember that we have a maximum of a 10-person gathering inside or go outside and sit by a fire pit," he said. "Please take it easy and again, a lower posture is better than a higher one right now."

Callahan said the State Police has maintained "significant streams of communication" with federal, state and local officials.

"I can't really recall a time when the communication and the exchange of information has been so robust," Callahan said, referring to conversations with federal and state legislators, law enforcement, and hundreds of mayors throughout the state.

"We continue to be on high alert, communicating aggressively with stakeholders," Murphy said. "As we sit here today, the threat continues to be a general threat, not a specific threat. We'll hope for the best, but we're going to prepare for the worst."

According to officials, 53 New Jersey State troopers are prepared to head to D.C. Monday morning to help defend the Capitol against more violence, if need be, on Jan. 20th. The state has already sent 571 members of the National Guard to Washington, and they are expected to remain there through the end of January, Murphy said.

Officials are asking anyone who sees anything they believe to be suspicious activity to call 866-4-SAFE-NJ or email tips@njohsp.gov. This includes planned violence or people saying things that "don't seem right."

"We need the community to report to us, and we need to deal with it in a way that's respectful of everyone's rights, but also ensures that everyone's rights are protected on the other side and no violence occurs," New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Jared Maples said earlier this week. See related: State, Local Police Brace For Possible Violence At NJ Capitol

The violence in D.C. happened after pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 Presidential Elections. The violence resulted in five people being killed.

One person who was killed as a result of the melee was New Jersey native Brian Sicknick, a Capitol Hill Police Officer. Read more: Cop Who Died After Capitol Hill Riots Was From NJ: Gov. Murphy

Two New Jersey men were arrested in connection with the rioting, including homas Baranyi, a Ewing Township resident who was next to Ashli Babbit when she fatally wounded by police, according to reports. Read more: NJ Man Who Saw Fatal Shooting In DC Riots Arrested: Officials

Last week, Leonard Guthrie, of Cape May, was also charged. Read more: Cape May Man Among Those Arrested Amid Capitol Hill Riots