Minnesota gov. activates National Guard

Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to protect the state Capitol amid rising fears of violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. The activation comes amid growing concern about potential attacks at state capitols across the country following last week's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

A recent memo from the FBI's Minneapolis field office warned of threats to the Minnesota and Michigan capitols for this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman said authorities are investigating last week's rally by supporters of President Donald Trump in St. Paul for statements that could be considered incitements to violence.

Walz has been visiting American history monuments across Minnesota to call for reflection, civility, and peace. Today he visited a site where hundreds signed up for duty in the Civil War.

"Our police are well equipped, ready and we will do all we can to ensure people's rights to peacefully protest and disagree, but to stop that line where it becomes destructive or dangerous," said Walz.

Hold the Line MN, a Facebook-based group that organized the "Storm the Capitol" rally, has received permits for two events on the Capitol grounds this weekend, a "Freedom Fest" for Saturday and a "church service" on Sunday.

The same group had posted a plea on its Facebook page Monday for supporters to stay away from St. Paul this Sunday, though it said members would be there for a Saturday event. An organizer with the group didn't immediately return a message Wednesday.