SALT LAKE CITY-In information released Thursday evening via numerous sources, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency for the Utah State Capitol Complex in downtown Salt Lake City.
This has been done to combat potential protests that may occur this upcoming weekend through Wednesday January 20, the inauguration day for president-elect Joe Biden.
This precaution has been taken on the heels of the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 6.
In a statement, Cox said the state respects the rights of Utahns to peaceably protest as the U.S. Constitution guarantees. However, he continued, these rights must not violate the safety of others or the Utah State Capitol Building.
Utah Gov. @SpencerJCox has declared a state of emergency ahead of potential protests.
“We respect the right of Utah residents to peaceably assemble as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. But we draw the line at threats to physical safety or to the Utah Capitol building." pic.twitter.com/gNmpZmP2AC
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) January 15, 2021
This goes into effect Friday and will run through Thursday January 21.
Additionally, the Salt Lake City and County Building has already been boarded up as a precautionary measure.
