* Press release…
Governor JB Pritzker has activated 250 members of the Illinois National Guard for State Active Duty in response to the warnings issued this week by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding threats to state capital cities in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Our state public safety agencies, including the Illinois State Police (ISP), Secretary of State Police and Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are working in tandem with local and federal counterparts to protect the residents of Illinois while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest.
At the request of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Governor also activated an additional 100 members of the Illinois National Guard in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. These additional troops will join the approximately 200 members of the Guard that were previously activated by the Governor.
“Following the violent siege at our nation’s capitol and reports from federal law enforcement on threats to state capitals, I am bringing all resources to bear to protect our residents and our democratic process,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our exemplary members of the Illinois National Guard will be working closely with our State Police as well as local and federal authorities to keep our capital city safe. We will continue to be fully transparent with the public on any new information and the steps we are taking to respond.”
On Monday, January 11, the Federal Bureau of Investigations issued an intelligence bulletin pointing to the potential for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C. in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
“As with recent previous deployments, the Illinois State Police will work side by side with the Illinois National Guard and our local partners to execute our mission of protecting the democratic process,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
The Illinois National Guard will not interfere with peaceful protestors exercising their first amendment rights. The role of the soldiers is to aide local authorities in enforcing street closures and designated perimeters.
“Our Soldiers and Airmen come from every community across Illinois and each has sworn to protect their communities, their state and their nation,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. “We draw our strength from our communities and are proud to serve in our communities.”
Over the last 12 months, Illinois public safety agencies have undergone hundreds of hours of cross training and tactical planning. These preparedness efforts have been enhanced by our skilled mutual-aid network.
“Illinois’ robust mutual-aid network allows for expedited resource sharing from personnel to equipment,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “Our local partners are an invaluable tool to enhance our state’s overall readiness. These associations and organizations are a testament to the strength of our state’s response capabilities.”
*** UPDATE *** Ugh…
- SomeGuy - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:03 pm:
Is there any indication that the capitol complex will be closed Tuesday/Wednesday?
There are a lot of employees in the various buildings, even during the pandemic, judging by the number of cars in the parking lots any given day. That’s a lot of cars that could be targeted by protesters, not to mention the risk to the employees themselves while coming/going.
- Montrose - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:09 pm:
This is the right response given the threat. I really fear this threat will be with us long after the inauguration.
- Essential State Employee - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:10 pm:
==There are a lot of employees in the various buildings, even during the pandemic, judging by the number of cars in the parking lots any given day. ==
All SOS employees and offices have been back to work and open since last June 1st.
Plus Stratton has seemed to look even busier by the day since about October–right when the 2nd wave began.
- Man of Sand - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:11 pm:
Why can’t everyone be as peaceful as a George Floyd outing? Michigan Avenue looks great with wood.
- Hot Taeks - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:12 pm:
I’m just glad Chicago isn’t the capital. I hope there aren’t any stupid protests at the Thompson Center like back in May.
- Precinct Captain - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
- Man of Sand - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:11 pm:
Remind me of the insurrections over the summer to assassinate government officials and decapitate constitutional government? Oh wait, you can’t because it didn’t happen.
- StateVIPCitizen - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
I bet that attendance will be well under 50 people
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:14 pm:
=== Why can’t everyone be as peaceful as a George Floyd outing? Michigan Avenue looks great with wood.===
If you can’t grasp the difference between insurrection and protests, even ugly protests of looting, Facebook might be better for you.
The boarding up of a building that houses our state government isn’t to stop the stealing of Gap jeans, it’s stopping traitors who want governing overturn.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:19 pm:
“Why can’t everyone be as peaceful as a George Floyd outing? Michigan Avenue looks great with wood.”
Yeah, maybe the people sworn to protect can break into a Congressman’s office, eat his food, and take naps.
- Incandenza - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:20 pm:
Man of Sand is one of many conservatives who think government only exists to protect private property. They couldn’t care less about the small r republicanism that allows us to govern ourselves. If there could be GodKingEmperor Trump installed in place of our democracy, so long as he would crack down on any protests and protect Target, they would welcome it
- Kestrel - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:22 pm:
Just seen ‘em on their way south on MacArthur. Two trucks and an armored vehicle. The guys driving were wearing helmets. Seem ready for anything.
- Last Bull Moose - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:28 pm:
I am trying not to overreact. The good news is this cult of personality should fade when the person goes away. Unfortunately, Argentina had Peronistas long after Peron was gone. I would hate for Trumpism to persist.
- Amalia - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:33 pm:
yeah, all violence is wrong, but this is Confederate flag in the US Capitol violence, insurrection. Mobs going to the Michigan State Capitol and a plot to kidnap their Governor. Different level and much more problematic. I’m also worried about any hits to important infrastructure. That bombing in Nashville was not just damaging to the block where it happened. Gotta guard sites that could take down power and communications and water.
- Sarah From the 49th Ward - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:34 pm:
Please if you are going to peacefully demonstrate please wear a mask. Please think about other Illinois citizens.
- Check Out Dude - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:39 pm:
-so long as he would crack down on any protests -
That Trump fellow is so powerful he got deplatformed. That’s a head spinner.
- Cheryl44 - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:44 pm:
Seems to me there’s several far right people with nowhere to go now their fearful Leader has been tossed off a few platforms.
- Nuke the Whales - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 12:59 pm:
The only thing the summer unrest and the storming of the Capitol have in common is that the Proud Boys started the violence at both protests. For example, in Richmond, Virginia, all arrests were of white supremacists.
- The Failing New York Times - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 1:05 pm:
White extremists have been terrorizing communities of color since this country’s beginnings. It’s now just being viewed differently because they’re terrorizing other white people and moneyed interests
- Jimmy H - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 1:36 pm:
News media was targeted in D.C. Anyone covering the protest, please be very careful.
- Grandson of Man - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 1:49 pm:
The false equivalence of comparing the police shooting riots to violent insurrection against the US government as it peacefully transfers power is done purposely, to rationalize and deflect how terrible insurrection was. It’s a pro-Trump tactic. As others said, the insurrection targeted the US government as it peacefully transferred power. The police shooting riots, terrible as they are, involve rage at never-ending police shootings of Black people.
- Republican Staffer in Springfield - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 1:56 pm:
The Washington Post has an excellent article on demonstrations.
https://tinyurl.com/y5y53d8y
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 1:56 pm:
- Dogterd -
The FBI disagrees with you.
- JS Mill - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:20 pm:
=No violent protest to see here, move along.=
So you are cool with another violent mob trying to overthrow the USA?
Adding…all for the delicate feelings and ego of one man. One, thin-skinned toddler.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:22 pm:
- 90Miles2Madison -
Was the secret service called in to protect the chain of power during that statue toppling?
There’s no “whatabout” hoing on here.
- Mama - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:28 pm:
Why do Trump’s people believe everything Trumps says?
What kind of riot is Trump and his thugs planning for Biden/Harris? I fear their lives will always be in danger.
- LakeCo - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:41 pm:
=Why can’t everyone be as peaceful as a George Floyd outing?=
I actually went to a “George Floyd outing” at the capitol and it was a beautiful assemblage of people who were coming together to support each other, advocate for our common humanity, and lift up the historically underprivileged among us. The vibe was amazing, it was 100% peaceful, everyone wore a mask, and oh, yeah, no one wanted to storm the capitol and kill lawmakers.
- Mama - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:54 pm:
Why are Trump’s peeps targeting all 50 states this time?
- Skeptic - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 2:58 pm:
“Why can’t everyone be as peaceful as a George Floyd outing?” For one thing, unlike voter fraud, there’s clear and convincing evidence of George Floyd’s killing.
- Ducky LaMoore - Friday, Jan 15, 21 @ 4:21 pm:
“Why are Trump’s peeps targeting all 50 states this time?”
I know of people in my little hamlet that would just love to cause chaos but can’t afford a plane ticket to DC. If they only have to drive an hour and twenty minutes to Springfield, they might do it.