MD Boosts Statehouse Security; FBI Warns Of Armed Protests

ANNAPOLIS, MD — State capitals around the country are preparing for potential protests against the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Annapolis is no exception.

The FBI warned local leaders about plans for armed protests in every state capital, the Associated Press reported Monday. Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley confirmed he received this memo.

Buckley has since asked the city's police and fire departments, as well as the Office of Emergency Management, to keep residents safe. A police advisory added that protests are possible between this Sunday and next Wednesday's inauguration.

"We are a proud capital city for Marylanders," Buckley said in a Monday press release. "I know that the county and state are equally engaged to prioritize safety."

Annapolis police are constantly sharing information with Anne Arundel County law enforcement. That means the state capital is still safe, County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel Police Chief Amal Awad reassured.

"News reports are cautioning about insurrection by extremist groups and are reporting uncorroborated rumors and information," the duo said Wednesday in a joint press release. "While there may be additional demonstrations as we approach next week’s presidential inauguration, we have no specific threat indicators in Anne Arundel County."

Still, officials beefed up security around the statehouse. The Maryland State Police and Maryland Capitol Police increased their staffing at the post. Maryland also sent 200 state troopers and 500 National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C., a week ago to quell the rioters who overtook the U.S. Capitol.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump held a rally in Washington, hoping to stop what he called a stolen election. At the Jan. 6 protest, Trump repeated his unproven claims of voter fraud and election tampering. Thousands attended that event outside the Capitol, but a few hundred broke off.

They blew past a police barricade and breached the halls of Congress in an effort to block the final step in confirming Biden as president-elect. Four people died in the struggle, and at least 69 were arrested, reports said.

The threat forced lawmakers to push their official count of the Electoral College votes well into the night. Congress eventually reconvened and affirmed Biden's victory.

Hogan added that the state's National Guard will remain in Washington for the rest of the month. The soldiers will secure the inauguration and maintain order afterward.

"This assault on our democracy cannot stand," Hogan said at a press conference last Thursday. "I just want to assure all Americans that the state of Maryland will do anything and everything we possibly can to continue to secure the core of our nation's capital and to ensure the peaceful transition of power."

Like the governor, Anne Arundel County leaders just want peace. They remind residents that protesting is a right and rioting is a crime.

"We fully support the right of citizens to demonstrate and/or protest either for or against the outgoing or incoming administrations and any other causes they may wish," Pittman and Awad said. "However, law enforcement is continually collecting and analyzing investigative information to mitigate any threats."

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Annapolis newsletters and real-time email alerts.

RELATED:

• 2nd Trump Impeachment: How Maryland's House Delegation Voted
• After Death Of Capitol Police Officers, Flags Lower To Half-Staff
• Officer Suspended, Accused Of Involvement At U.S. Capitol: Police
• Bunker Phone Calls, Military Delays: Hogan Responds To Trump Mob
• Hogan Says Trump Isn't Fit For Office, Suggests Pence Is Better
• MD Leaders Condemn 'Insurrection' That Overtook U.S. Capitol
• Maryland Police, County Officers Deployed For DC Protest
• Trump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.