Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther spoke Thursday morning, Jan. 14, to discuss the presidential inauguration protests that are expected to take place in Ohio and in Washington DC in the upcoming days.

While the governor said the nation was "horrified" by the actions at the Capitol on last week. The governor said that first amendment rights are protected, however, there is difference between a peaceful protest and the violent attack that took place last week.

The governor discussed some groups "dark agendas" that hide out amongst the peaceful protestors.

Thomas Quinlan, the Columbus chief of Police, asked that those that have no business in downtown Columbus to avoid the area from Friday through Jan. 20 to maintain the safety for all involved.

The FBI has warned that protests are planned in all fifty state capitols in advance of Joseph Biden’s Presidential Inauguration.

The governor said the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio State Patrol will have a significant presence in Washington DC next week, for the inauguration of Joe Biden, as well as a heavy presence at the state capitol in Columbus.

DeWine said 700 Ohio National Guard members will be sent to D.C., and will deploy additional needs requested by government officials to allow for a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Biden.

DeWine announced the State House and other state office businesses in Columbus will be Sunday, Jan. 17  through Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said peace protests are accepted, however, no violence, destruction or acts of hate will be tolerated.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris, Jr., Ohio National Guard said the Guard is ready to assist in many ways in Ohio and in DC, from protection of the Capitol through traffic control.

Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan discussed the use of tear gas if needed to control crowds that may be used if the protests were to get unruly, and will the use of gas helps to reduce the need to use force.

The governor did not discuss information about possible protests in other cities throughout the state.

On Tuesday, the governor activated 580 members of the National Guard to be available in Washington, D.C., and Ohio after protests at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday turned violent.

He said the order will take place from Thursday to the 21st of January, which could be expanded.

DeWine said about 200 of those National Guard members will be headed to the nation's capital ahead of Biden's inauguration on Wednesday.