More protests are being planned, according to the FBI.
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The US could see more armed protests across the country in the lead-up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week, according to an internal FBI bulletin obtained by ABC News. The bulletin also warns that another armed protest could take place at the US Capitol, which was invaded last week by supporters of President Donald Trump.
“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the US Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” ABC News correspondent Aaron Katersky tweeted about the FBI bulletin on Monday.
“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the US Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” according to an FBI bulletin obtained by @ABC
— Aaron Katersky (@AaronKatersky) January 11, 2021
The FBI said that while it’s standard practice not to comment on current investigations, it can say that it’s “supporting our state, local and federal law enforcement partners with maintaining public safety in the communities we serve.”
“Our efforts are focused on identifying, investigating and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity,” the FBI told CNET in an emailed statement. “We are gathering information to identify any potential threats … our focus is not on peaceful protesters, but on those threatening their safety and the safety of other citizens with violence and destruction of property.”
Capitol Police on Monday briefed lawmakers about potential upcoming demonstrations, according to Huffpost’s report on a private call between the officers and House Democrats.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel tweeted her concerns on Tuesday, saying the state capitol “is not safe.”
My job is not to provide state employees & residents or other visitors to our Capitol with a false sense of security, especially given the current state of affairs in Michigan and around the nation.
I repeat-the Michigan Capitol is not safe.
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) January 12, 2021
Twitter, which permanently banned Trump’s account last week, noted that plans for future protests were circulating on and off Twitter. The social media site specifically noted proposed secondary attacks on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on Jan. 17.
Social media companies have cracked down on Trump after a mob of his supporters broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6, leaving five people dead and forcing legislators to flee as they were in the middle of certifying the results of the 2020 election. In addition to the Twitter ban, Facebook blocked Trump indefinitely. Since the deadly attack, lawmakers have been calling for Trump’s removal from office by way of the 25th Amendment, impeachment or voluntary resignation.