Law enforcement officials are monitoring an “extensive amount” of “potential” threats regarding the upcoming inauguration in Washington, D.C.
During a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Washington, D.C., FBI Director Christopher Wray said, “We are seeing an extensive amount of concerning online chatter… about a number of threats surrounding the inauguration.”
“Right now, we’re tracking calls for potential armed protests and activity leading up to the inauguration. And the reason I use the word potential is because one of the real challenges in this space is trying to distinguish what’s aspirational versus what’s intentional,” he continued.
“We’re concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies planned here in D.C., and at state capitol buildings around the country in the days to come that could bring armed individuals within close proximity to government buildings and officials.”
Wray’s comments come just over a week after pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, which interrupted Congressional proceedings to certify the election results and left five dead.
Watch the video below:
FBI Director Wray tells Pence the bureau is seeing "an extensive amount of concerning online chatter" about potential inauguration threats
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 14, 2021
"We're concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies" in D.C. and at state capitols nationwide, he says pic.twitter.com/mZZjKpfcIh
The stunning security breach led to the resignations of high ranking officials with the Capitol Police, and sparked concerns about the security measures planned for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20.
After the Capitol riot, the FBI warned that there could be armed protests at every state capitol and the U.S. Capitol.
In light of concerns about the potential for future violence, President Donald Trump released a video denouncing violence and urging protesters to remain peaceful, as IJR reported.
The Secret Service, said in a statement regarding the security concerns, “The safety and security of all those participating in the 59th Presidential Inauguration is of the utmost importance.”
“For well over a year, the U.S. Secret Service, along with our NSSE partners, has been working tirelessly to anticipate and prepare for all possible contingencies at every level to ensure a safe and secure Inauguration Day,” it added.