NC Law Enforcement On Alert Following FBI Warning

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina law enforcement agencies are on alert following a nationwide warning that armed protesters were planning on marching this weekend in all 50 state capitals.

The warning comes in the wake of a pro-Trump rally Jan. 6 that led to a riot in which five people were killed. On Monday, the FBI issued a bulletin warning that armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitals, as well as courthouses and administration buildings, between Jan. 16 and 20, and at the nation's capitol from Jan. 17 through Inauguration Day.

One group is reportedly calling for protesters to storm these capitals if President Donald Trump is removed from office before Jan. 20, either by impeachment or through the 25th Amendment.

In a statement, the FBI said the warning was not focused on peaceful protesters, "but on those threatening their safety and the safety of other citizens with violence and destruction of property," the Washington Post reported.

In Raleigh, police and other law enforcement agencies are preparing, according to reports.

“It can be said that department personnel who are responsible for security and logistical planning consider and evaluate many factors, including events that have occurred elsewhere, as they make safety and staffing decisions," a Raleigh Police Department spokesperson said, the Charlotte Observer reported.

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, a Republican from Cleveland County, downplayed the warning, but said law enforcement would be monitoring the General Assembly later this week when it reconvenes Jan. 13.

"Our General Assembly police will be monitoring everything to make sure that the public and members will be safe here and the people's business gets done," Moore said, the Observer reported. "But we don't… know anything that's, I mean, any kind of issue here. We have fortunately not been the focus of any of this, of anything right now. I don't think it'd be an issue."

Amplified security measures leading up to the inauguration in Washington next week will also include members of law enforcement from North Carolina, according to a report. About 90 officers with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are set to travel to the nation's capital to assist with security for the event, WBTV reported.

SEE ALSO:

• Trump Betrayed Our Country, Unfit To Lead: Gov. Cooper
• 'Trump Bears Responsibility For Today's Events': NC's Sen. Burr