Washington, Jan. 15 (dpa/GNA) – The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeing an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter” including calls for armed protests in the coming week as the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden approaches, the agency’s chief said Thursday.
Online comments are being analysed and investigated for their actual threat potential, as law enforcement tries to distinguish between aspirational and intentional calls, FBI director Christopher Wray said in Washington.
“We are concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies planned here in DC and at state capitol buildings around the country in the days to come,” Wray said.
He noted that more than 200 people suspected of planning events modelled on the riot at the Capitol last week have been identified, and warned that anyone who is planning violent acts in the coming days must expect a visit from the FBI.
Supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol and temporarily halted a Congressional sitting last Wednesday. Five people died as a result of the violent riot.
Biden is due to be inaugurated on January 20.
Wray stressed that more than 100 people have already been arrested in connection with the events at the Capitol last week. Countless other related investigations are still under way.
This will not only halt those individuals from repeating their activity last week but should also serve as a warning to others who are considering violence, he said.
GNA