AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) With the Maine State House on high alert for protests, a new leader has taken over the Capitol Police Department that’s tasked with protecting the state government complex.

Officials announced Wednesday that Lt. Robert Elliot temporarily took over command of the department after Chief Russell Gauvin came under criticism for social media posts.

Officials declined to say whether Gauvin was still employed.

There were a handful of peaceful demonstrators outside the State House during the inauguration.