Kentucky officials are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect the state Capitol if more armed protests occur, Gov. Andy Beshear said. The FBI has warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, stoking fears of more bloodshed after last week’s deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol. “We will not allow that to happen,” Beshear said at a press conference Monday. “We will protect these buildings, these grounds and everyone in them. And we are ready to do whatever necessary, Kentucky State Police and others, to ensure the safety of everyone here.” The Democratic governor declined to disclose security plans, including whether the Kentucky National Guard would have a role. “We are not going to give those that would commit domestic terror a game plan that they can try to plan around,” he said. Below are photographs taken where armed protesters gathered outside the Kentucky Capitol last Saturday. The Saturday, January 9, gathering by a group of Kentucky protesters met at the Capitol in Frankfort to have a 'patriot' rally. There were approximately 100 protestors that arrived around noon to protest outside the Capitol while chambers were in session during General Assembly. Several of the protestors were armed with guns and one man even had zip ties. The crowd was upset about the Trump election loss and some spoke about the incoming administrations plan to strip away freedoms. There was also criticism against Senator Rand Paul, Senator Mitch McConnell and Governor Andy Beshear. Another speaker spoke about how her life had been affected by the mandates instituted by Governor Beshear. How her inability to provide for her family had been gravely affected by the numerous closures of businesses in her area. On Tuesday, January 12. as a petition began circulating to impeach Democratic Governor Beshear. he called out those individuals demanding impeachment. One of those mentioned was Tony Wheatley of Mercer County that helped to organize the event on Saturday.
"He is the one that put together the rally where the the Three Percenters hung me in effigy. He's the one who put together the rally where they stormed past all the barricades in front of the governor's mansion and stood on the other side of the windows from where my kids play. He's also the individual that helped organize this last weekend, where heavily armed individual showed up, showing exactly what they intended to do." Beshear showed an image of a man who attended the Saturday rally in Frankfort, armed and wearing camouflage, who said he was carrying zip ties "just in case." Beshear said zip ties were also carried during the riot at the U.S. Capitol, and "we know exactly what they're used for." "These people who signed this petition have tried to create terror for me and my family before, and when that hasn't worked, I guess they're trying something new," Beshear said. The petition was filed by four Kentuckians. Since the petition was filed, a committee was formed by the GOP to review it. The petition calls for the governor's impeachment for lockdown orders used to fight the pandemic.
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Written byLiz Latta Archives
March 2021
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