Cost to fortify New Mexico Statehouse is $700K and growing [View all]

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Troops, extra police details and fences cordoning off the New Mexico state Capitol grounds and adjacent streets from public access have cost taxpayers at least $700,000 in police overtime, salaries for National Guard troops, equipment rental and other special expenses.

State officials provided the accounting for security spending in response to inquiries by The Associated Press.

New Mexico's unprecedented security measures were instituted by legislative leaders in the Democratic majority in the aftermath of the storming of the U.S. Capitol amid warnings by the FBI about the potential for armed protests across 50 states in the leadup to the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

The Legislature convened on the eve of the inauguration in a solemnly quiet Statehouse that has been closed to the public as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, with participation in legislative hearings by webcast only.

Read more: https://billingsgazette.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/cost-to-fortify-new-mexico-statehouse-is-700k-and-growing/article_6dd002c1-34f8-5db8-8fef-2b06bcbcc8fc.html