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'Every Necessary Measure': California Prepares For Unrest, Governor Activates CA National Guard

By Megan Nguyen
Published Jan 14, 2021 5:13 PM
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Governor Gavin Newsom today mobilized the California National Guard, over concerns of civil unrest leading up to and during next week's inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The initial deployment is up to 1,000 Guard members to support the California Highway Patrol in protecting state infrastructure in and around the state Capitol in Sacramento. The CHP is in charge of security for the building.

In a message this afternoon, the Governor said there will be no tolerance for violence:

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"What we witnessed in our nation's capitol was an undemocratic and unconscionable assault on our republic, and the freedoms upon which our nation was founded. California will take every necessary measure to protect public safety and our democratic principles and to insure those disgraceful actions are not repeated here."

A temporary, six-foot chain link fence has also been installed around the perimeter of the State Capitol. A statement from the Governor's office says they're coordinating with social media companies to make sure hate groups don't use their platforms to organize or spread disinformation.

There have been online postings for protests to take place at the U.S. Capitol and at state capitols around the country on Jan. 17.

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