By David Mullen, The Denver Gazette
Denver's municipal buildings closed Wednesday afternoon "out of an abundance of caution" as hundreds of people protested in support of President Donald Trump.
"With the activities around the country and approximately 700 individuals downtown who have gathered at the State Capitol, out of an abundance of caution, I have instructed city agencies to close municipal buildings early," Mayor Michael Hancock said in a statement.
All non-essential workers within the government offices and buildings were released immediately, unless "otherwise directed by their department or agency," according to a tweet from Denver Councilwoman Jamie Torres.
Despite demonstrators at the State Capitol being peaceful, the move to close the buildings early came hours after a pro-Trump group of protesters breached the doors of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Legislators were forced to evacuate the Capitol before a vote to verify President-elect Joe Biden.
"My hope is that this situation will be resolved quickly," Hancock said. "Pray for our nation."
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