Local law enforcement confident in Missouri inauguration security plan after U.S. Capitol riots

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

While Gov. Mike Parson is being sworn in as the 57th governor of the state of Missouri, local, state and federal law enforcement have worked on a security plan to keep the governor and the community safe after the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. John Hotz said law enforcement set up checkpoints around the state Capitol with a required metal detector scan and a bag search.

"We do have these checkpoints set up where everybody comes through and is checked, and of course we do checks of the area before it's opened up," he said.

Hotz said security officials have been working on this plan a while but continue to evaluate events around the country when making their security plans.

"We have been planning this for months, but we continually monitor events in Missouri, events in the U.S., and as well as events around the world when formulating our plan for these types of events," he said.

Eric, a guest at the inauguration, said he felt safe at the state capitol despite recent riots at the U.S Capitol.

"I felt very safe coming here today I knew it was going to be a safe event I could tell, I didn't feel any time of fear at all or anxiety," he said.

Eric along with other guests told ABC 17 crews they were glad they were able to attend a historic day for Missouri.

"It was great to see his speech and all the others that were sworn in today as well and overall I would say it was a great day a great day for Missouri."

Law enforcement secured parking lots near the Capitol for the event in anticipation of large crowds.

Highway patrol and local law enforcement got to the event at 6 a.m Monday. Festivities began in earnest at about 11 a.m.