Jan 16, 2021

Lawmakers reserve right not to meet Tuesday, citing protests

Posted Jan 16, 2021 1:08 PM

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska lawmakers are reserving the right to not meet as scheduled on Tuesday due to the expected armed protests at state capitols around the country.

State lawmakers adjourned for the week Friday and won't return "until the call of the speaker." Normally, lawmakers return to the Capitol on a specified day.

Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers said the move gives lawmakers some flexibility in case they need to meet later.

The move comes after a mob of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to prevent Congress from certifying the election of President-elect Joe Biden. Protests are also expected at state capitols, although one that took place outside Nebraska's Capitol earlier this month was peaceful.

Gov. Pete Ricketts has said he doesn't support banning the open carrying of firearms inside the Nebraska Capitol, but urged protesters to be thoughtful about bringing guns and realize that doing so frightens some people.

He also said the Nebraska State Patrol is taking "appropriation precautions" to prepare, but declined to give specifics.