Security preparations underway in Atlanta, Washington DC ahead of planned protests

ATLANTA — Security preparations are underway right now at both the state and nation’s capitols. It’s all ahead of planned protests at capitols around the nation.

State leaders are taking no chances after what we saw happened in Washington DC when rioters stormed the Capitol, leaving 5 people dead including a police officer.

An 8-foot fence has been erected around the Capitol and Capitol police state troopers and other security forces will be there and monitoring Internet traffic.

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After the insurrection and deaths last week, a flyer went out calling for people to march on state capitols this weekend. Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston checked with Atlanta police about the threat, and they said they are taking it very seriously.

“The City of Atlanta Police Department continues to coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to respond should protests or illegal activity occur. If activity begins to occur, APD is prepared to respond quickly,” police said in a statement.

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Atlanta police said it doesn’t share safety and security plans publicly, but security is their top priority.

The FBI is warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, stoking fears of more bloodshed.

“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the U.S. Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” the bulletin said, according to one official. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Huddleston contacted the Capitol police to ask about any preparations that may be underway for the weekend. No one would go on camera, but did send him a statement, saying:

“We will not tolerate any unlawful behavior or threats of violence or damage to state property. We are prepared to respond in the appropriate manner as we have always done in the past.”

At least one Georgia-based militia told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution it will protest at the state Capitol Sunday morning.

One website promoting the national, 50-state effort insists the protests will be peaceful but urges people to come armed.

“This is the time to shatter the fear narrative spread by the main stream (sic) media and unite against those who wish to take our rights away,” one post said. “If you can carry legally, you should carry. If you wish to be unarmed, come unarmed.”

Security ramped up around Georgia capitol as FBI warns of armed protests in all 50 states

Cox Media Group