An internal FBI bulletin leaked on Monday warned that armed protests at expected this weekend and throughout president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration in all 50 state capitals.
“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 a law enforcement official who spoke with Associated Press.
“The FBI received information about an identified armed group intending to travel to Washington, DC on 16 January,” said the bulletin, which was provided to ABC News. “They have warned that if Congress attempts to remove POTUS via the 25th Amendment, a huge uprising will occur.”
Law enforcement agencies are reportedly increasing their presence at state capital buildings after the U.S. Capitol was stormed last week. The FBI is currently working to identify photographed individuals who participated in the storming.
Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, confirmed on Monday that up to 15,000 National Guard troops were approved for activation to protect the upcoming inauguration. Hokanson added that the Guard is on the lookout for potential threats nationwide.
“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,” Hokanson said.
Also on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would begin special operations for Biden’s inauguration to begin on January 13 instead of January 19.
“In light of events of the past week and the evolving security landscape leading up to the inauguration and at the recommendation of Secret Service Director James Murray, I have instructed the U.S. Secret Service to begin the National Special Security Event operations for the 2021 Inauguration effective Wednesday, January 13th instead of January 19th,” Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement.
