Following the insurrection in Washington, D.C. on January 6th, State Capitals across the country were advised to increase their protection around their capital buildings. In Rhode Island, the state capital is located in Providence. It is in the center of the city, surrounded by a mall, residential areas, and parks. Residents of the area are known for taking walks around the building and taking advantage of its architecture. However with the possibility of an attack, more security was added to the Rhode Island’ State Capitol building the closer it got to Inauguration Day.
Starting on January 16th, I photographed the change in security surrounding the State Building. On the first day, only State Police were present on the building’s grounds. National Guard trucks circled the building every five minutes. Residents were still allowed to walk up to the building and take pictures. Normally, there is no presence of State Police or the National Guard. Throughout the week, the National Guard continued to drive around the building. On the 17th, more national Guard trucks were added to the surveillance. State Police cars also parked on the upper levels of the building to keep watch of the visitors who approached it.
January 20th had the highest number of security. Four State Police Cars were parked at both entrances, and two National Guard trucks were at the beginning of the park. State Police officers were also walking around the building, keeping a closer eye on those who approach it. The malls and surrounded areas were also not as populated as they normally would be. Across the street from the State Building is the Providence Amtrak Station, which was also a concern for safety. More State Police Cars were parked there to survey the out of state visitors. Providence became an area of high surveillance on January 20th.
The five days following Inauguration Day, Providence had returned to its normal sense of security. The National Guard and State Police had been removed from the grounds. Residents resumed their normal walks throughout the park and people enjoyed the building’s design.
Even though Rhode Island was a democratic State during the election, thirty nine percent of Rhode Islanders voted for Trump. Governor Raimondo was unsure about how Rhode Island would react to the insurrection that took place two weeks prior to the election. It was a concern for Rhode Island because an Rhode Island lawmaker had added to the encouragement to the attack. In response, Rhode Island took the necessary precautions it believe it needed in order to protect its State Capital.
