Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Friday that there will be extra security measures around Frankfort for the next few days.
This increase in security comes after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, with officials saying the risk for similar events remains possible for both the capitol and state capitols. In response, Governor Beshear says they intend to close the state capitol completely to the public on Sunday.
He thanked everyone for their patience and understanding, saying domestic terrorism cannot be allowed to gain a foothold in America.
Acting Commissioner Lt. Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. of the Kentucky State Police said the measures were necessary to protect both the public and state buildings. He says, “In order to protect all citizens, the Kentucky State Police provides security at the state Capitol. KSP has not received any requests or notifications of a rally. However, precautions have been put in place to ensure the safety of both the public and state buildings, and will be adjusted as needed.”
Governor Beshear also reported 3,955 new COVID-19 cases Friday, along with 19 new deaths—the positive rate decreased slightly to 12.09 percent. He says that Kentucky has currently administered about 190,547 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Tennessee Department of Health reported 5,557 new cases of COVID-19 there, along with 79 new deaths—the positivity rate in the Volunteer State is around 14.97 percent.