‘Concern’ over reports of armed protests
Events at state capitals drawing extra interest
Local law enforcement officials are “concerned” over the potential for violent outbreaks in the fallout over last week’s siege on the U.S. Capitol even as there is “no specific threat” in Boston after an FBI memo warned of “peaceful armed protests” planned in all 50 U.S. state capitals.
“We’re always concerned. We always have to be cognizant that some people, in their political views, take it to the extreme and intercede with violence and we’ve seen that,” Boston Police Chief William Gross told reporters on Monday.
State Police spokesman David Procopio said “many general statements” have been made online and on social media regarding potential protest activity, but said “we are aware of no specific threat to government venues or to public safety generally in Massachusetts.”
An FBI spokeswoman for the Boston field office said the agency is “not in possession of any intelligence indicating any planned, armed protests” in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine or New Hampshire. She declined to comment on the specifics of the memo.
The memo, a copy of which was first obtained by ABC News, encourages local law enforcement to step up security and outlines the potential for armed protests at state capitols between Jan. 16 and 20. It also warned of a “huge uprising” at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., planned for Jan. 16 or later should Trump be removed from office.
An air of heightened security is noticeable on the State House grounds where additional barricades blocking entrances have appeared and patrols by State Police and the Department of Conservation and Recreation appear more visible. Gov. Charlie Baker’s office referred questions about State House security to State Police on Monday.
It’s unclear if the Republican governor and frequent Trump critic will activate the National Guard ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. Baker has called up troops to be on stand-by during periods of heightened protest activity several times in recent months following unrest that led to riots on the morning of June 1 in the wake of the high-profile police killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. None have required any Guard operations.
The State House is protected by a “multi-layered security operation” that includes State Police, DCR rangers, and building security.
Several states have already taken steps to reduce risk locally after a violent mob incited by President Trump and his allies laid siege to the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday. A U.S. Capitol Police officer and four participants were killed during the attack.
Michigan on Monday banned the open carrying of guns inside its Capitol building.