Armed March May Come To Ohio Statehouse

COLUMBUS, OH — Far-right groups may be planning an armed protest at the Ohio Statehouse this weekend, according to reports.

The Washington Post reported that far-right groups are planning marches at all 50 statehouses in the U.S., and Columbus was specifically mentioned in forums. However, Ohio leaders are staying mum on preparations for such a protest.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said his office was aware of the purported plans for a Columbus demonstration, but he declined to tell WKSU how the state is preparing for the event. On Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWine authorized the Ohio National Guard being brought up to its highest level of readiness.

"There will be enough people there from law enforcement and the National Guard," DeWine said. "People have a right to protest. The First Amendment does not go on vacation, but we also saw what happened at the U.S. Capitol and we're very concerned."

Security at the Statehouse is provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which declined to detail what security measures will be taken this weekend. The FBI said it is working with local and state partners to ensure the Statehouse is secure.

Here's what an FBI spokesperson told Patch about the possible protests this weekend:

“While our standard practice is to not comment on specific intelligence products, the FBI is supporting our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners with maintaining public safety in the communities we serve. Our efforts are focused on identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity. As we do in the normal course of business, we are gathering information to identify any potential threats and are sharing that information with our partners. The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. Our focus is not on peaceful protesters, but on those threatening their safety and the safety of other citizens with violence and destruction of property."

News of the planned protest comes after the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. DeWine condemned the riot and those who participated, and he chastised President Donald Trump for contributing to the day's events.

"President Trump's continued refusal to accept the election results without presenting credible evidence of a rigged election has started a fire that has threatened to burn down our democracy," the governor said. However, he refused to comment on using the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from power.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted echoed DeWine's comments, saying the 2020 presidential election was not stolen.

"There is a difference between an inefficient process and a stolen election. It is reckless to equate the two," he said.

Protests in Washington, D.C., became riots Wednesday as Congress moved to count the Electoral College votes from the November presidential election. Far-right supporters of Trump, who lost to President-elect Joe Biden, stormed barricades and forced their way into the Capitol building, disrupting the process.

The mayhem overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated and a California woman was shot to death. Four other deaths were reported around the Capitol grounds. A Capitol Police officer died of injuries suffered during encounters with rioters, and D.C.'s police chief said one woman and two men suffered medical emergencies that resulted in their deaths.

Ohio's elected officials from both parties condemned the violence and called for a restoration of order.