Report suggests government agencies view Trump inauguration as a potential target for extremists.
Concerns about violent acts such as vehicle ramming attacks, bomb hoaxes, and swatting calls are causing agencies worry.
A report warns that violent extremists, particularly those with "election-related grievances," may be attracted to President-elect Trump's inauguration, according to government agencies.
Agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, and Capitol Police have warned that extremists may see the inauguration as their last chance to influence the election results through violence, according to Politico.
Foreign terrorists, domestic extremists, or lone wolves pose a threat to carrying out violent acts such as vehicle-ramming attacks, bomb hoaxes, or swatting calls.
Concerns about protests turning into chaos were raised by law enforcement, particularly since some individuals who have been arrested during previous protests have applied for demonstration permits.
Some of these individuals have a history of engaging in protests that include traffic blockades, trespassing, property destruction, and resisting arrest, according to the threat assessment.
J. Thomas Manger, the US Capitol Police Chief, warned on Monday that "solitary individuals" pose the greatest danger to the inauguration celebrations, in a joint press conference with federal and local law enforcement officials.
"In my opinion, the greatest danger for us all is the lone actor," Manger stated. "Within the past week, while President Carter was lying in state, two lone actors appeared at the Capitol. One attempted to bring in knives and a machete, while the other tried to disrupt the proceedings by setting their car on fire in the peace circle area."
""Capitol Police successfully stopped these individuals from causing any harm, but the threat of a lone actor is the main reason we remain on high alert for the next week," Manger stated."
The inauguration will have a heightened law enforcement presence, with 4,000 local officers and 7,800 National Guard soldiers assisting.
The Secret Service's Washington field office's special agent, Matt McCool, stated that around 25,000 law enforcement officers will be working for this year's inauguration, which has a "slightly more robust security plan" compared to President Biden's inauguration in 2021.
McCool stated that they are 100% confident in the plan for the inauguration, ensuring the safety of the public and protectees.
The Metropolitan Police Department is preparing for 12 First Amendment demonstrations at the inauguration, ensuring that protesters have the right to peacefully assemble, but will not tolerate violence.
"Smith reiterated on Monday that violence, destruction, and unlawful behavior will not be tolerated, and offenders will face swift and decisive consequences."
Planet Chronicle Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
politics
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