Posted: Feb 9, 2021 / 06:10 PM CST / Updated: Feb 9, 2021 / 08:04 PM CST
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — In response to the January 6 riots in Washington D.C., security was dramatically increased in Springfield. We’re now learning how much it cost Illinois taxpayers.

In all, around $669,000 was spent. Most of that paid for the 250 National Guard members called in to protect the Statehouse. The rest went to contractors to board up doors and windows.

Gov. Pritzker: State police ‘well aware’ of possible threats to Illinois capitol 

The FBI warned about the potential for heavily armed protests at all 50 state capitols, but some critics say the deployment was nothing more than a PR stunt.

“We’ve never had a Trump protest or gathering in Springfield. It’s done anything, but be peaceful and pick up after itself,” said Rep. Dan Caulkins. “I don’t believe that it represents anything going on in Illinois other than a political agenda.”

The FBI issued a bulletin warning about the potential for armed protests at all 50 state capital cities. However, a spokesperson for the Illinois State Police said they never received any evidence of a specific threat in Springfield.

Unlike the National Guard troops who were deployed to protect the U.S. Capitol grounds during the inauguration, the deployment to Springfield was considered state active duty and will not be reimbursed by the federal government.