Missouri Capitol prepares for Kehoe’s inauguration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

As Inauguration Day for Missouri Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe approaches, capital, local, state and county agencies are preparing to make the day as safe as possible.

"We will have some checkpoints on the South Lawn, which is very typical of an inauguration every four years," said Zim Schwartze, Chief of Missouri Capitol Police. "As well as we have some weapons detection systems at our entrances into the Capitol, on the south carriage side and the east side."

Schwartze said that agencies being brought on to secure the premises with Missouri Capitol Police include the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jefferson City Police Department, state park rangers and conservation agents.

The last gubernatorial inauguration took place in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schwartze said Gov. Mike Parson wanted to limit in-person contact as much as possible by having a parade and moving the inaugural ball to the fall.

However, according to Schwartze, Kehoe has different plans for this year's inauguration festivities.

"Gov. Kehoe has asked that there be no parade, but he does have several other events here at the Capitol that day," Schwartze said.

Capt. Scott White, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, tells ABC 17 News months of coordination have also included the consideration of public attendance.

"We know that the last one was a little bit smaller," said White. "So the big difference between this inauguration and the last one, I think it's going to be the crowds. I think we're going to see a lot more people."

One thing that will remain consistent is what is not allowed inside the Capitol building.

"There are some things that are restricted coming into the Capitol building, such as noisemakers or spray paint, signs with poles, etc.," Schwartze said.

Schwartze recommended that those planning to attend the ceremony keep the weather and parking in mind on Monday.

"If they're going to be outside for the inaugural event itself, which starts at 11:30, please dress accordingly. It's going to be pretty chilly outside," said Schwartze. "In addition, parking is going to be at a minimum around here. So just be prepared to walk and park quite a distance away from the Capitol building itself."

White also said drivers traveling Monday will still need to follow the rules of the road, as patrol operations will remain regular even with troopers helping to staff inauguration security.

Watch special live coverage from the inauguration Monday on ABC 17 News and abc17news.com starting at 11 a.m.