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FBI warns of plans for 'armed protests' at state capitols, including in Madison: Report

Photos: Trump supporters storm Capitol as Congress meets to confirm Biden's win
Posted at 5:06 PM, Jan 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-11 18:06:36-05

WASHINGTON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning of plans for armed protests at state capitol buildings, including Wisconsin's, starting later this week.

According to an internal FBI bulletin, first reported by ABC News, protests at state capitols as well as the U.S. Capitol are being planned to start Jan. 16 and last through Jan. 20.

The warning comes on the heels of the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, in which hundreds of Pro-Trump supporters stormed the building.

“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,” according to the bulletin, the Associated Press reports, citing an official.

In Madison, police are already preparing for potentially violent gatherings. On Monday, crews began boarding up windows outside of the statehouse. Wooden sheets and braces were seen along each window on the first floor of the building. All exterior ground windows will be covered, officials say.

Also on Monday, Gov. Tony Evers mobilized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local police at the Capitol building in Madison.

According to the AP, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said that “We’re keeping a look across the entire country to make sure that we’re monitoring, and that our Guards in every state are in close coordination with their local law enforcement agencies to provide any support requested."

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