Government agencies are warning that President-elect Trump's inauguration could attract violent extremists, especially those with “election-related grievances,” according to a new report.
Although no specific credible threat has been identified, agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service and Capitol Police say extremists may view the inauguration as “a final opportunity to influence the outcome of the election through violence.” created a threat assessment claiming that Politico coverage.
The threat assessment identified foreign terrorists, domestic extremists, or lone wolves who could carry out acts of violence such as vehicle ramming attacks, bomb hoaxes, and phone bombings.
Similarly, law enforcement officials cited concerns that the protests would descend into chaos, especially as certain groups that have faced arrest in past protests have applied for permits to demonstrate.
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The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, during a rehearsal on the Western Theater ahead of President-elect Trump's inauguration. (AP Photo/John Elswick)
“Past protests by some of these individuals have included blocking traffic, trespassing, destruction of property, and resisting arrest,” the threat assessment states.
Meanwhile, U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Munger said Monday at a press conference with federal and local law enforcement officials about the inauguration that the most serious threat to the inauguration celebrations is “a lone actor. ”, he warned.
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Members of the U.S. Military Joint Honor Guard rehearse for the presidential inauguration ceremony in front of the White House on Sunday, January 12, 2025. (AP)
“I think the biggest threat to all of us is still being a single actor,” Munger said. “Just last week, while President Carter was lying in state, two lone actors appeared at the Capitol. One attempted to bring in a knife and a machete, and the other, I believe, attempted to disrupt the proceedings. attempted to disrupt “by setting cars on fire in the peace circle area.” ”
“The Capitol Police were able to stop them before they could do any harm,” Munger said. “However, the threat of a single attacker remains the primary reason we are justified in being on such high alert throughout the week ahead.”
As a result, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at the inauguration. About 4,000 local law enforcement officers have volunteered to help, and 7,800 National Guard troops are also expected to be deployed.
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The U.S. Capitol is fenced in preparation for January 6, 2025. (Fox News Digital)
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington field office, said a total of about 25,000 law enforcement officers will be on duty. McCool said this year's inauguration plans feature a “slightly more robust security plan” compared to Biden's 2021 inauguration.
“What I can tell you is that I am 100% confident that the plans we have for this inauguration will keep our people and those we protect safe,” McCool said.
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Additionally, Metropolitan Police Department Commissioner Pamela Smith said they are preparing for 12 First Amendment demonstrations on Inauguration Day, saying they have the right to peacefully protest. Still, she said, violence will not be tolerated.
“As always, I want to reiterate that violence, destruction and lawlessness will not be tolerated,” Smith said Monday. “Criminals will face swift and decisive punishment.”
Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
