Nebraska lawmakers reserve right not to meet Tuesday, citing protests

LINCOLN, 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 last week's siege at the U.S. Capitol as Congress attempted to certify the results of the Electoral College. 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.