I decree peace

Standing in front of a statue of George Washington, his staff broken by Union troops during the Civil War, Trish Carrington read from a book of decrees at the statehouse.

"I decree peace within the streets of Columbia, SC. I decree that every assignment of violence and murder in Columbia, SC will be broken. I decree that the river of God is flowing in Columbia, SC. I decree that the voice of the Lord is heard in Columbia, SC,” she said as law enforcement paced around the building Saturday morning.

During the summer Carrington had been praying for her city at the statehouse. "I felt like God wanted me to come. But then I kind of stopped. So I don't know if I maybe let God down,” she said with a tear on her cheek.

The FBI warns of 'armed protests' planned at all 50 state capitols following the Jan. 6 insurrection, and approaching the inauguration of Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Photos and words by Sean Rayford