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Pennsylvania Capitol was prepared for protests, but day remained largely quiet

HARRISBURG — A handful of demonstrators stood in front of the Pennsylvania Capitol on Wednesday and police in riot gear stood guard around the building.

Most came to show support for the new president.

“I’m happy to get a new president and Vice President. And glad to see the old one gone,” said David Jordan.

Channel 11 also talked to a Trump supporter, who said he was disappointed in the turnout.

Reporter: Did you expect to see more Trump supporters here?

“Yes, I did. I thought there’d be maybe thousands of people but it’s only a handful,” said Larry Shack.

The state Capitol was prepared for protests, with police on horseback patrolling the perimeter, National Guard members in humvees blocking streets and police in riot gear surrounding the Capitol.

After the violence at the U.S. Capitol, the FBI warned state capitols may be targeted. That prompted the closure of the Capitol complex Friday night. State government employees were told not to return until Thursday. While today was largely uneventful, a Capitol spokesman defended the closing and heightened security, saying: “If this is the result that we get out of an abundance of caution, we will take this every time.