Police across the US have battened down the hatches at state government buildings as they anticipate potentially violent protests by Donald Trump supporters.
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More than a dozen states have activated National Guard troops to help secure their capitol buildings following an FBI warning of armed protests ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.
Security officials have eyed Sunday as the first major flashpoint, as that is when the anti-government "boogaloo" movement made plans weeks ago to hold rallies in all 50 states.
Capitals in battleground states, where Trump has directed his accusations of voter fraud, were on especially high alert.
But by midday, only a few demonstrators had taken to the streets alongside hundreds of law enforcement officers and media personnel.
Four protesters with long rifles stood outside Michigan's capitol in Lansing on Sunday, one wearing a tactical vest and a blue Hawaiian shirt and another wearing a Trump shirt and fatigue pants as he held a "Don't tread on me" flag.
Nearby, crews had blocked off streets and office buildings in Lansing had boarded up their windows in anticipation of potential violence.
In Atlanta, several hundred law enforcement officers and National Guard troops milled around Georgia's state house early on Sunday.
Chain-link fences and cement barriers protected the Capitol grounds and multiple armoured vehicles were stationed nearby.
In addition to increasing police presence, some states, including Pennsylvania, Texas and Kentucky, have taken the further step of closing their capitol grounds to the public.
It is just days until Wednesday's Inauguration Day, when Democrat Joe Biden will be sworn in as president amid extraordinary security efforts in Washington, DC.
The nationwide security scramble follow the recent deadly attack on the US Capitol in Washington by a mix of extremists and Trump supporters.
The FBI and other federal agencies have warned of the potential for future violence leading up to the inauguration, as extremists look to exploit frustration among Trump supporters who have bought into falsehoods about electoral fraud.
It was not clear whether the FBI warning and ramped up security presence around the country might lead some protesters to stay at home.
Some extremist groups have told followers to stay home this weekend, citing the increased security or the risk that the planned events were law enforcement traps.
Australian Associated Press
