RI State House Braces For Unrest Ahead Of Possible Protests

PROVIDENCE, MA — Police and authorities in Rhode Island have heightened security near the Rhode Island State House Sunday, in preparation for protests.

"Two dozen federal troops and at least four armored Humvees are patrolling the downtown streets at the Rhode Island State House," according to a Twitter user with the handle @RealAlTheGreat and several others tweeting near Smith Hill.

Last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol, had law enforcement on high alert about security across the country State Police Col. James Manni said in a statement earlier this week in an effort to reassure residents.

"There are no credible threats to our state at this time," Manni said "The Rhode Island State Police is prepared to address any risks to public safety and meet any security challenges that could develop."

Members of the Rhode Island National Guard headed to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration, as they have for every inauguration since 1789, according to Captain Mark Incz, a public affairs officer with the Rhode Island National Guard.

In Boston, there were no Humvees visible Sunday, but there was a noted increase in police: MA State House Braces For Unrest Ahead of Possible Protests