TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Assurances from Gov. Laura Kelly and other Kansas officials that Statehouse security is being heightened haven't dispel concerns that the state isn't doing enough to prepare for a possible armed protest in the coming days.

The Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature's top GOP and Democratic leaders held a private, half-hour virtual security briefing Thursday morning with the Kansas Highway Patrol and the state Adjutant General's Department. Legislators who participated have revealed little about what they heard because it involved security matters.

The security discussions were prompted by last week's insurrection in Washington, D.C., in which a violent mob of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted Congress' certification of his election loss. The FBI has since warned about the potential for armed protests by Trump loyalists in Washington and at state capitols ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next week.

Kelly told reporters Wednesday that the state would “keep a close eye on” any potential armed protest and would step up security “as necessary." But she declined to discuss any details, such as whether Kansas National Guard members would be called out.

State Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, said she's frustrated by the lack of information being released and that she probably will work remotely next week. She said if lawmakers worked for a corporation, they would have conducted security drills this week.

“If enhancement are being made, it certainly isn't noticeable,” Holscher said.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, said there has been only general intelligence about the possibility of armed protests nationwide and not a specific warning or threat about Kansas.

Trump carried the state by a wide margin in last year's election and a protest by about 200 people at the Statehouse last week was peaceful on the same day Washington saw mob violence.

Masterson said he's comfortable if officials want an increased security presence at the Statehouse.

“The nut jobs, if you will, are generally deterred by just the presence,” Masterson said.

But Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director and lobbyist for the progressive Kansas Interfaith Action, compared Masterson's assessment to not wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Masterson thinks that he's immune, so therefore, there's no problem,” Rieber said.

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