Chester County D.A. Says Law Enforcement Is On High Alert Here

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Anyone who engages in violence across Chester County can expect to be arrested and prosecuted, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

Chester County's district attorney on Tuesday morning offered assurance to county residents that law enforcement is on high alert across the county and made clear that violence like that seen on Jan. 6 will not be tolerated here.

"The recent violence at the U.S. Capitol has many people uneasy about the possibility of more violence around Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, 2021, not only in Washington, D.C., but closer to home," the district attorney stated on social media early Tuesday.

"With this in mind," the statement continued, "law enforcement across Chester County is on high alert and prepared for any incidents or disturbances. Anyone who engages in a criminal or violent act will be arrested and prosecuted. The safety and security of Chester County’s residents is always our top priority."

The statement comes as communities around the country have been concerned that local protests could be violent, based on reports that there could be more violence like that seen at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Small groups of armed protesters approached some state capitols across the country on Sunday, and security has been heightened in many places ahead of Wednesday's inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The D.A. also asked county residents to report activity they find unusual or "out of place."

"It's important to be vigilant," the district attorney's statement said. "If you see something that is suspicious or out of place, call 911 and report it to law enforcement."