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Kan. lawmakers want answers after protesters locked out of Statehouse

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are demanding answers after protesters were locked out of the Statehouse last week.

photo courtesy Kansas Poor People’s Campaign

Top leaders from both parties directed the director of Legislative Administrative Services to prepare a report during a meeting Wednesday. They want answers about when security officials can lock people out of the Statehouse and who has the authority to make such a decision.

Issues arose June 18 when officers locked the public entrance doors to the Visitors Center, preventing protesters with the Poor People’s Campaign and others from entering the building. Protesters with the group had been arrested for refusing to disperse during previous protests at the Statehouse.

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. says it’s important to get answers because the Capitol is the “people’s house.”

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