On Monday (18), New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that he will not attend Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, citing concerns about a possible attack on the New York State Capitol in Albany.
“I think it’s my duty to stay in New York State. If there is a situation here at the New York State Capitol, I need to be there immediately. That’s my spot,” said Cuomo, who has sent his best wishes to President-elect Joe Biden.
Rumored to be a rally of President Trump supporters on Sunday, the steps of the New York State Capitol were barricaded with a three-story fenced cordon waiting to be attacked, but the state Capitol area was quiet, as were the state capitols.
In Albany, the only crowds assembled were state police and reporters and a few counter-protesters. 31-year-old Abdul, who declined to give his last name, was one of three people who showed up at East Capitol Park, east of the state Capitol, a lifelong Albany resident waving a banner calling for the liberation of blacks.
There was no disruptive activity Sunday, however, other than providing a budget for police overtime.
Similar scenes played out in a number of other state capitals, with the expected rallies of Trump supporters in Trenton, N.J.; Annapolis, Md. and Dover, Delaware, failing to show up.
Although there was no credible threat to Albany, New York State still took extra measures to increase security. Beginning Sunday, streets in Albany adjacent to the State Capitol were closed in anticipation of the protests. State police plan to step up their duties around the State Capitol and the nearby Empire State Plaza in the coming days.
“In light of recent events in Washington and across the country, New York State Police have taken steps to increase security in and around the State Capitol in Albany out of an abundance of caution.” New York State Police spokesman Beau Duffy said in a statement that the restrictions will be in place until further notice is issued.
However, violent crime in New York has skyrocketed under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership. According to the New York Post, New York will have more shootings and shooting victims in 2020 than in the previous two years combined, and 2021 looks set to be worse than 2020.
Recent Comments