Law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s planned pro-Trump demonstrations at State Capitols across the country.
Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse said due to the potentially heavily armed and tense nature of these demonstrations there is a potential for violence and she does not recommend you go counter-protest if you disagree with the message from those demonstrating.
“Now is not the time, now is not the time to throw yourself into this. You may find yourself swept up in an emotional torrent that you did not expect,” said Rouse.
The FBI has reportedly warned law enforcement agencies that there is a heightened chance for violence at demonstrations leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Biden.
Rouse said if someone you know is actively plotting to commit acts of political violence this weekend, report it to authorities, but you don’t want to waste law enforcement’s time with false alarms.
“If my spouse just shouts at the TV about something, I’m not going to call and report that. Or, if my brother-in-law is just chatty and talks a lot about this,” said Rouse.
Rouse said if you have a loved one who you are concerned may get violent at a protest this weekend, try to talk them out of going.
“If you can persuade your family members, look you can stay here with me and you can rant all afternoon and we can just talk about it and I am going to listen to everything you say, then great,” said Rouse.
State Police released a joint statement with other law enforcement agencies including the FBI saying they are monitoring the situation but have so far not identified any specific threats to anyone’s life or property.
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