Law-enforcement officials closed the state Capitol on Saturday, following threats from militia groups that were made while a partisan showdown has halted all activity in the Oregon Senate.
“The State Police Superintendent just informed the Senate president of a credible threat from militia groups coming to the Capitol tomorrow,” read a text sent out to senators on Friday that was shared with The Wall Street Journal. “The Superintendent strongly recommends that no one come to the Capitol.”
Oregon State Police said Saturday they were monitoring threats and had closed the Capitol entirely.
“The safety of legislators, staff and citizen visitors could be compromised if certain threatened behaviors were realized,” said Tim Fox, a captain with the Oregon state police.
He didn’t elaborate on the nature of the threats, which came as Republicans remained on the run outside the state, in an effort to block a landmark bill that would limit greenhouse-gas emissions in Oregon.