Heavy blocks provide new security at the Capitol on Saturday, Jan. 16. State officials took precautions ahead of warnings from the FBI of possible protests at capitols across the country. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
The Capitol, the scene of repeated protests in recent months, is safeguarded against potential violence in the coming days. The building, already closed to the public, is now protected by concrete barriers and sheets of plywood in an extraordinary move to secure the building.
The security was added as federal officials warn of possible violent protests leading up to Wednesday’s inauguration of Joe Biden as president.
The Oregon Legislature would normally convene on Tuesday, Jan. 19, for what is termed the “long session” – the main legislative session for considering new laws and setting the state budget. Legislative leaders delayed the start until Friday, Jan. 22, but even then the work will be done behind doors closed to the public.
Committee work also has been delayed. According to the legislative calendar, the first committee to meet this week will be the House Redistricting Committee, scheduled to convene remotely on Thursday, Jan. 21. The committee is expected to get a report on the latest U.S. Census.
Plywood seals windows on the floor at the Capitol on Saturday, Jan. 16, to provide additional security. State officials took precautions ahead of warnings from the FBI of possible protests at capitols across the country. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
RELATED COVERAGE:
Salem braces for protests. How big? How many? No one is sure
WE GET SALEM THE FACTS. Covering your community with care and depth. Salem Reporter – fair, accurate, independent. Subscribe and support our essential local service.
Photographer Ron Cooper and his wife Penny moved to Salem in 1969 to take a job as photographer at the Oregon Statesman (later the Statesman Journal). Their three children, Monica, Kimberly, and Christopher, attended and graduated from Salem public schools. Cooper retired from the Statesman Journal in 2001 but, has continued his passion for photography in many ways, including as a photographer for the Salem Reporter.
