(CMR) There are reports of fear among many US residents as the FBI has warned of possible armed protests, starting as early as this weekend.
Reports are that many people have been panic-buying as they try to be prepared for possible riots.
This fear among residents was driven by attacks on the US Capitol last week, leaving at least five people dead.
Last Wednesday, thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol building in Washington DC in an attempt to stop the count of presidential electoral votes, which officially certified Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential elections.
A recent bulletin from the FBI warned that armed groups were planning to gather in all 50 state capitals and Washington DC in the run-up to the 59th presidential inauguration.
Groups involved in the January 6 riots have allegedly been calling for protests on several dates, including armed demonstrations in cities across the country on January 16 and a march in Washington DC on inauguration day.
Washington DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser has called for security in the state to be increased. She has also asked Americans to avoid travel to Washington DC for the inauguration ceremony, which usually draws thousands.
At least 10,000 troops are expected to be deployed in Washington DC by Saturday and another 5000 in other states.
According to AP, Army General Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said the Guard was looking at any issues across the country. He said,
“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.”
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