MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers has mobilized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local police, ahead of potentially violent gatherings at the State Capitol this week.
Officials are concerned that pro-Trump supporters could repeat the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, at Wisconsin's Capitol building.
On Monday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned of plans for armed protests at state capitol buildings, including Wisconsin's, starting later this week.
“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the U.S. Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” according to the bulletin, the Associated Press reports, citing an official.
Evers' Office says the troops are part of the Wisconsin National Guard Reaction Force, consisting of troops trained to respond to requests for assistance on short notice. They will assist Capitol and Madison police.
“Once again, our state has asked our Citizen Soldiers in the Wisconsin National Guard to answer the call to keep our state, its citizens, and its institutions safe,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general, in a statement Monday. “We ask a lot of our troops who must take leave from their civilian employers and their families, and I'm proud of the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to serve their fellow citizens.”
Read the governor's statement below:
Gov. Tony Evers today authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support Wisconsin's Capitol Police. Members of the Wisconsin National Guard will mobilize to state active duty to support safety and security efforts at the State Capitol in Madison.
The troops are part of the Wisconsin National Guard Reaction Force, which consists of troops trained to respond to requests for assistance on short notice. The Wisconsin National Guard will serve in a support role to local authorities and conduct a site security mission.
“Once again, our state has asked our Citizen Soldiers in the Wisconsin National Guard to answer the call to keep our state, its citizens, and its institutions safe,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general. “We ask a lot of our troops who must take leave from their civilian employers and their families, and I'm proud of the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to serve their fellow citizens.”
The mobilized troops will serve in a State Active Duty status in support of the Capitol Police. To protect operational security, the Wisconsin National Guard will not discuss troop numbers, movements, timelines, equipment, tactics, or procedures.
