NEWS RELEASE: RICHMOND – In preparation for possible demonstrations around Richmond over the next week, and in light of the civil unrest in the nation’s capital on Jan. 6, the Department of General Services is implementing precautionary measures to protect the employees, visitors, buildings and grounds at historic Capitol Square.
DGS will implement the following changes:
Capitol Square will be closed Thursday, Jan. 14, through at least Thursday, Jan. 21.
Steps will be taken to enhance security for critical infrastructure, including installing additional fencing and fortifying buildings in and adjacent to Capitol Square, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Access to all DGS-controlled buildings will be restricted from Saturday, Jan. 16 through Thursday, Jan. 21.
The move comes after an FBI bulletin about “armed protests” planned for all 50 state capitals in the days leading up to the inauguration.
At least one pro-gun group, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, is planning to protest on Lobby Day but emphasize it will be a peaceful demonstration.