Tennessee law enforcement to boost presence ahead of planned protests.
Law enforcement plans heightened presence at Tennessee Capitol in lead-up to inauguration
Law enforcement is planning a heightened presence at the Tennessee Capitol in coming days due to the risk of armed protests leading up to Presidentelect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
The increased focus on possible protests comes after a riot erupted at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The mob broke into the Capitol building and smashed doors and windows. Five people, including a Washington D.C. police officer, died in the attack.
The havoc was wrought by Trump supporters who breached the building in hopes of thwarting President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
The FBI issued an internal bulletin warning of nationwide protests that could occur this week through the Jan. 20 inauguration, according to two law enforcement officials who read details of the memo to The Associated Press. Investigators believe some of the people are members of some extremist groups, the officials said.
The bulletin was first reported by ABC.
“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the U.S. Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” the bulletin said, according to one official. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
In Tennessee, legislative leaders and law enforcement are aware of the planned events and are urging those participating to remain peaceful.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake wrote in a letter to Metro council members that the department will be closely monitoring the protests planned in Nashville. He wrote “there is no indication of an imminent threat of violence or danger.”
The department is participating in ongoing discussions with state and federal law enforcement agencies about the rallies. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers will be “very visible” at the Capitol in the coming days, Drake reported.
“Knowing what occurred in Washington, D.C. last week is still on all of our minds,” Drake wrote in his letter.
“Speaker Sexton is aware of the planned events for this week; we all respect the rights of Tennesseans to peacefully assemble, and our expectation is for these events to remain peaceful,” Doug Kufner, spokesman for House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-crossville, said in a statement to The Tennessean.
Adam Kleinheider, a spokesman for Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy Mcnally, ROak Ridge, said the Senate speaker is also aware of the planned protests.
“While security will be on alert as always, the lieutenant governor is hopeful all protests will be conducted without violence or incident,” Kleinheider said.
“All appropriate steps will be taken to enforce state law,” said Gillum Ferguson, spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee.
The FBI issued at least one other bulletin – they go out to law enforcement nationwide on the topic – before the riots last week. On Dec. 29, it warned of the potential for armed demonstrators targeting legislatures, the second official said.
Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told reporters on Monday that the Guard is also looking at any issues across the country.
“We’re keeping a look across the entire country to make sure that we’re monitoring, and that our Guards in every state are in close coordination with their local law enforcement agencies to provide any support requested.”
If anyone sees or hears something concerning about the protests, Drake asks they call 615-862-8600 to share with Metro police.
Brinley Hineman, Natalie Allison and Yihyun Jeong of The Tennessean contributed to this report.