Albany lawmakers said an alleged attack plot tied to an arrest has heightened security concerns at the New York Capitol, but they do not want it to restrict public access.
Thousands of Capitol workers and tens of thousands of visitors and lobbyists were their main concern, more than lawmakers’ own safety, because the building remains a daily workplace and forum for advocacy.
Sen. Jim Tedisco and Assemblyman John McDonald said violence or intimidation aimed at the statehouse would target representative democracy and First Amendment activity, and warned that shutting people out would hand attackers a victory.