The Oregon statehouse was shut down Saturday due to a “militia threat” posed by protesters who were against a landmark climate change bill.
A spokesperson for the state Senate president told The Associated Press Friday that the “Oregon State Police has recommended that the Capitol be closed tomorrow due to a possible militia threat.”
On Saturday, right-wing militias could be seen protesting outside the statehouse as lawmakers were supposed to be inside voting on the climate change legislation, according to the news outlet.
The Hill has reached out to statehouse officials to confirm whether the building remained closed.
Reports of the statehouse closing over the weekend come after Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) last week called on state police to bring GOP lawmakers back to Salem after several left the state to avoid a potential vote on a climate bill.
The Republican state lawmakers are reportedly facing $500 fines for every day they don’t return to the state legislature.
The landmark climate bill significantly lowering fossil fuels used in the state is set to pass the Democratic-led legislature if enough lawmakers are present to hold a vote.
The state Senate reportedly scheduled two sessions Saturday but was forced to cancel them due to the militia protests.
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