More armed protests planned for US, state capitals, FBI reportedly warns – CNET

The US could see more armed protests across the country in the lead-up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to an internal FBI bulletin obtained by ABC News. The bulletin also warns that another armed protest could take place at the US Capitol, which was invaded last week by supporters of President Donald Trump. 

“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the US Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” ABC correspondent Aaron Katersky tweeted about the FBI bulletin on Monday.

The FBI said that while it’s standard practice not to comment on current investigations, it can say that it’s “supporting our state, local and federal law enforcement partners with maintaining public safety in the communities we serve.”

“Our efforts are focused on identifying, investigating and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity,” the FBI told CNET in an emailed statement. “We are gathering information to identify any potential threats … our focus is not on peaceful protesters, but on those threatening their safety and the safety of other citizens with violence and destruction of property.”

Twitter, which permanently banned Trump’s account last week, noted that plans for future protests were circulating on and off Twitter. The social media site specifically noted proposed secondary attacks on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on Jan. 17.

Social media companies have cracked down on Trump after a mob of his supporters broke into the Capitol on Jan. 6, forcing legislators to flee as they certified the results the 2020 election. In addition to the Twitter ban,  Facebook blocked Trump indefinitely. Since the attack, lawmakers have been calling for Trump’s removal from office by way of the 25th Amendment, impeachment or voluntary resignation.