FBI warns of ‘armed protests’ at all 50 state capitols
The FBI is warning about the possibility of armed protests in all 50 state capitols leading to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
“As of 9 January, reports indicate there are armed protests 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 a Jan. 10 memo issued by the Joint Inter-Agency National Crisis Coordination Center in the FBI Strategic Information Operations Center.
The memo, obtained midday Monday by Hearst Connecticut Media, indicates that threats have
been made against specific individuals.
“Multiple reports indicate various threats to harm President-elect Biden ahead of the presidential inauguration,” the memo says. “Additional reports indicate threats against VP-Elect Harris and Speaker Pelosi.”
Though the memo warns several times of possible armed demonstrations at all 50 state capitols, there are no specific warnings for Connecticut, as there are in other states.
“We’re monitoring it closely. We are aware of some potential events going on, on the 17th and the 20th,” said Scott Driscoll, a spokesman for the state Capitol police, he said, adding he had no specific information on any planned demostration in Connecticut. “We’re hearing about things all across the country.”
Later Monday, Andrew McCabe a former FBI director, said on CNN that while threats related to presidential inaugurations are not unusual, credible threats in all 50 states was “extraordinary.”
Alternative social media sites, beginning with Parler, have been flush with revolutionary rhetoric including mentions of demostrations on Jan. 17, warnings of violence on Jan. 19 and discussions about violent activity on Jan. 20.
Users on those sites have spoken openly about bringing weapons to Washington, and of violent demonstrations around the country.
One posting reviewed by Hearst Connecticut Media, which shows an image of the Statue of Liberty, is headined in all capital letters, “REFUSE TO BE SILENCED.” It’s billed as an “armed march on Capitol Hill & all state capitols” on Jan. 17. It adds, “Come armed at your personal discretion.”
Another photo shows a man with guns laid out on a table in front of him, with the caption, “Half the country right now.”
The FBI memo says that the bureau received information “on an identified group calling for others to join them in ‘storming’ state, local, and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings in the event POTUS is removed as president prior to Inauguration Day.”
The memo also shares a link to a website that issued a “call for armed protests at the Washington Memorial and all 50 state capitols on 17 January at noon.” That website now says that plans to have “a demonstration” on Jan. 17 “are cancelled and will not move forward.” It’s unclear whether the two Jan. 17 protest calls were coordinated between groups.
Since Parler was taken down by Amazon Web Services, users have moved to other sites, including Gab and Telegram. Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio promoted Telegram as a “Parler Lifeboat,” encouraging his followers to join move the conversation there.
If there is a demonstration in Hartford on Jan. 17, it’s probable that legislative offices will be empty.
“We are aware of some of the proposed or planned events that might be taking place this coming Sunday,” said State Rep. Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, the newly named state House Majority Leader.
A protest on Jan. 6 in Hartford, opening day for the General Assembly, drew a crowd of about 500. Those numbers included pro-Trump demonstrators as well as people opposing en end to religious exemptions for traditional vaccines, as well as other causes, some on the left. They were kept at least 100 feet away from outdoor swearing-in ceremonies for the House and Senate.
Authorities in Hartford are planning extensively for security measures in the days leading up to the inauguration in Washington. Gov. Ned Lamont said he did not expect any violence in Hartford.
“I have a high degree of confidence that Connecticut is going to stay peaceful,” Lamont said during his regular Monday news briefing from the Capitol. Lamont declined to give specifics, but said the State Police are communicating with their national counterparts.
Sen. Chris Murphy said Monday — after criticizing the poorly coordinated security effort last Wednesday, when a Trump-incited mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — that he understood there was significant coordination among law enforcement agencies now.
“I am hopeful that we won’t see anything serious here in Connecticut,” Murphy said, speaking to reporters at the south entrance to the state Capitol, “but what we learned from Wednesday is to prepare for the worst case.”