Guard to defend Pennsylvania Capitol, city to close streets

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A few hundred members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will be brought in to protect the state Capitol and other potential targets of unrest and violence in the week ahead, authorities said Thursday. “The Pennsylvania Capitol Police has the full support of Pennsylvania State Police and access to the significant resources we bring to bear,” state police Lt. Col. Scott Price said during an online briefing. Tom Wolf on Thursday ordered the Pennsylvania Capitol closed for two days next week around the swearing-in of three statewide officials and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. In recent days, Capitol Police have tried to become more visible inside and outside of the building, and have erected orange plastic barriers, in light of last week’s violent siege of the U.S. Capitol. “Anyone who attempts to be violent, break or destroy state property, or bring harm or destruction to the Harrisburg community — or any community across Pennsylvania — will be held accountable.” In Philadelphia, officials added security personnel to protect historical and city-owned buildings, and the district attorney warned that those who intend to target the Capitol would expose themselves to state charges beyond the reach of any presidential pardon.