Gottheimer requests FBI threat assessment on future armed demonstrations, attacks on U.S. Capitol and State Capitols in coming days
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer has formally requested an FBI briefing on the current threat assessment and intelligence gathering for planned armed demonstrations in the coming days at the U.S. Capitol and State Capitols nationwide, as well as current defense capabilities and guidance on how Americans can protect themselves and their communities from these threats.
Gottheimer cites reports from the FBI anticipating large-scale armed demonstrations in all 50 states and in Washington, D.C. leading up to the Inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden. According to the investigators, the organizers of these demonstrations include members of extremist groups.
“I am deeply alarmed by reports of ‘storming’ State Capitols and the U.S. Capitol, especially given what transpired on January 6th, 2021,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer wrote in a letter this week to FBI Director Christopher Wray. “It is critically important that the deadly and damaging attack on the U.S. Capitol never be permitted to happen again, or be replicated at any of our state houses across the country.”
Some organizers of last week’s deadly riot included members of dangerous extremist groups, like the Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, and other right-wing militia groups.
