No direct threats to Memphis area, officials say, after FBI warns of extremist violence.
Law enforcement agencies in the Memphis area say no specific threats of violence have been reported after the FBI issued a nationwide warning related to the inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden.
“We remain in contact with all of our Law Enforcement partners regarding potential threats and concerns related to the inauguration. To date, we have not received any direct threats pertaining to this area,” said MPD spokesperson Lt. Karen Rudolph.
Ahead of Biden’s inauguration, the FBI has warned law enforcement agencies of armed protests at all 50 state capitals between Jan. 16 and Jan. 20.
Nashville-area authorities are planning for a heightened presence at the Tennessee Capitol during this time period.
On Wednesday, during a call with police chiefs across the nation, the FBI cautioned law enforcement against dismissing any perceived threat, no matter how insignificant it may appear.
FBI Director Christopher Wray and other federal officials asked local authorities to use their resources to search for any indications of violence that could help federal authorities prepare.
Since the attempted insurrection at the Capitol, the FBI has received tens of thousands of tips pointing federal authorities to participants that pushed past Capitol police and illegally entered the building.
Memphis police are asking the public for similar vigilance.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and remain vigilant. We ask that if anyone knows anything about any potential threats to contact MPD immediately, and as always, if you see something, say something,” Rudolph said.
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Joel Siskovic said the agency has not received any “specific or substantiated” threats made to the Memphis area.
Information about the potential for extremist violence, Siskovic said, “isn’t anything we’re going to hold back.”
“We’re working with all of our federal and local partners, and if anyone gets any type of information, we’re ensuring that it’s sent to the relevant law enforcement partners immediately,” Siskovic said.
Officials for Desoto County, Germantown, and Bartlett have also confirmed there are no substantiated threats or planned protests for their respective areas. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, citing Homeland Security Office in Memphis, said there are no reports of any “specific threats, planned protests or violence within Memphis and Shelby County concerning the upcoming inauguration.”
To report any suspicious activity in the Memphis area, you can alert MPD through their tip line, at 901-528-2275. The FBI is also accepting tips, which can be submitted via email at tips@fbi.gov.