Threats of violence prompted Michigan officials to close state legislative offices on Monday as presidential electors plan to meet in the Senate chamber to cast their votes for Joe Biden.
“Due to safety and security concerns, the Senate and all Senate spaces in downtown Lansing will be closed Monday, December 14,” the Senate notification said, which was obtained by The Detroit News.
The notification to House staffers said, “(O)nly those needed for the Electoral College will be permitted in the Capitol Building.”
Amber McCann, a spokeswoman for state Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R), told the Detroit Free Press that the Senate would keep its buildings closed “based on recommendations from law enforcement.”
“The decision was not made because of anticipated protests, but based on credible threats of violence,” McCann said.
President Trump and other Republicans have contested the election results in Michigan and other battleground states. The president and his campaign have challenged the results in several lawsuits with claims of voter fraud.
Biden reportedly won Michigan by 154,000 votes, claiming the state’s 16 electoral votes.