DOVER, De. - After last week's siege on Capitol Hill, authorities are on high alert with one week until President-Elect Joseph R. Biden's inauguration.
Capitol Police in all 50 states are on high alert, according to the Associated Press, after an internal FBI memo warned of "plans of armed protest at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C. in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration."
Delaware State Police spokeswoman, Master Cpl. Heather Pepper said to WBOC in a statement:
"The Delaware State Police are working in coordination with the Delaware Capitol Police Department and surrounding police agencies to assist with planning, preparing, and supporting in the event any type of situation were to arise. In addition, we continually work with our Federal, State, and Local partners in preparation for events such as rallies, protests, and demonstrations.
The Delaware State Police remain vigilant by monitoring national, regional, and local intel. We work and plan with our national, state, and local state partners and deploy assets and personnel as needed. We stay committed to maintaining the Delaware State Police's mission statement of enhancing the quality of life for all Delaware citizens and visitors by providing professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services."
Facebook posts have emerged in recent days, sharing information about a rally on inauguration day at Legislative Mall.
The original post, shared on the Delaware Citizens for the Second Amendment page read "Come pissed! Come armed!"
That post seems to have been removed, but a new post is in it's place, reading:
"We absolutely, in no way, condone, support or are requesting for anyone to show up with the intent to cause violence, engage in violence, or the destruction of public, private or state property and grounds. "
The post also included note that Delaware Citizens for the Second Amendment are not organizing the protest, but sharing the information.
We spoke to some Delaware residents about the potential protests, and many expressed concern, but would not go on the record with us on such a divisive topic.
But Caroline Bailey of Dover shared her thoughts.
"I think it's ridiculous, I think people should be concerned, and I think something needs to be done quick to remove the President," she said. "I gather probably there will be a few [protesters], I really don't think it will be like there was in Washington, maybe a few. But there are still a few out there who will probably want to make trouble, just to stir up things."
Dover Police told WBOC they are aware of the situation and like DSP, have been sharing intelligence on potential incidents. We reached out to Capitol Police, but we did not hear back.
