Capitol Avenue blocked, law enforcement patrol ahead of inauguration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Security at Missouri's capitol building is in place ahead of inauguration events in Washington D.C.

Crews had Capitol Avenue blocked off with barricades Wednesday morning.

Security has recently been boosted at the capitol following armed riots in Washington D.C.

An email from Missouri Senate Administrator Patrick Baker to staff said Capitol Police had requested help “due to recent events occurring at various capitols throughout the country.”

Capitol Police said on Twitter that security measures and staffing are regularly adjusted based on pending events and “information received from public and other sources.”

The House approved a rule change sponsored by Plocher to give greater power to the sergeant-at-arms, who is responsible for keeping order in the House galleries and lobby.

The sergeant-at-arms now will have law enforcement powers to arrest people for what the state constitution describes as “disorderly or contemptuous behavior” during House sessions.

The sergeant-at-arms also will be able to hire other trained law enforcement officers.

The Missouri Capitol also saw additional law enforcement officers present last Monday for Gov. Mike Parson’s inauguration, as is typical for all inaugural events.