Anchorage City Hall will close Wednesday out of ‘abundance of caution’

Anchorage City Hall will be closed to both the public and employees on Wednesday as a precautionary measure on Inauguration Day.

“The closure is in line with a similar decision at the state level and comes from an abundance of caution as Inauguration proceedings occur,” the announcement from Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson’s office said. “There are no specific threats at this time.”

Ten state office buildings have also shuttered to the public through Thursday.

Last week, Anchorage Police Chief Justin Doll said in a written statement that while there were no specific threats to the city, the public may see more police presence around government buildings for a few weeks, “to ensure the normal operation of government and the safety of our community.”

“We fully support every Alaskan’s ability to exercise their constitutional rights, and our community has a history of acting responsibly and safely when making their voices heard,” Doll said. “However, we will not tolerate violence of any kind.”

The FBI had issued a warning that armed protests were planned at all 50 state capitols in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

There have been no violent protests in Alaska related to the presidential election.