FBI warns of armed protests outside all 50 state capitols, tracking reports of 'various threats to harm' Biden
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy revealed in a recent interview that US Army commanders are looking out for any potential insider threats ahead of inauguration day. This comes amid reports that all 50 states are preparing for "armed protests" on or before January 20. Speaking to The Associated Press on Sunday, January 17, McCarthy said defense officials were carefully observing their ranks for any potential threats that may arise from within. However, he admitted that he hasn't seen any evidence of such threats and that no problems were flagged during the vetting of National Guard troops in Washington.
A leaked internal FBI bulletin also referenced "various threats to harm" Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris
”We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy told the news agency, adding that National Guard members are also receiving briefs on how to identify and report potential insider threats. That said, insider threats have been a top consideration for law enforcement since the devastating September 11, 2001, attacks. The FBI is currently conducting the vetting of National Guard members who will be heading to Washington on January 20, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the US Secret Service is coordinating the security efforts for inauguration day. “In order to maintain critical operational security surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, the US Secret Service and our law enforcement partners will not be commenting on the means and methods used to conduct the agency mission, inclusive of protective intelligence matters," a US Secret Service spokesperson told The Epoch Times in a statement.
The US Army previously confirmed that up to 25,000 National Guard members from across the country would be stationed in Washington next week. According to a statement by the DC National Guard, they were given the authorization to be armed on January 12 in order to assist state law enforcement authorities, after a special request by federal authorities. Since the unrest at the Capitol on January 6, troops have been stationed at the US Capitol on 24-hour watch, while off-duty troops have been photographed sleeping in hallways of the federal building.
As reported by the Epoch Times, the increased number of National Guard troops deployed in the city will coordinate security efforts with the FBI, US Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, US Capitol Police, as well as DC's Metropolitan Police Department.
During an inauguration security briefing with Vice President Mike Pence on January 14, General Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said that the National Guard has a "long and proud history of inauguration support." He added: "The forefathers of today’s National Guard were present for the inauguration of George Washington, and we have been part of every inauguration since.”
President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration is turning out to be one of the most unusual inaugurations in history, with the virtual nature of the event coupled with the unprecedented security efforts. Several videos from DC show street closures, workers putting up miles or barricades with coiled barbed wire, business owners boarding up shops and offices, as well as an increased military presence. Downtown streets are reportedly being patrolled by military vehicles and armed guards are verifying identification for people entering or leaving the city.
The FBI is tracking an “extensive” amount of “concerning online chatter” about potential threats to the inauguration, FBI Director Chris Wray previously said. These include armed protests, as well as potential threats linked to the siege of the Capitol on January 6.