Government agencies fear Trump’s inauguration ‘potential target’ for extremists: report

Government agencies fear Trump’s inauguration ‘potential target’ for extremists: report

Government officials are warning that President-elect Trump’s inauguration could attract violent extremists – particularly those with “election grievances,” according to a new report.

Although no specific credible threats have been identified, agencies including the FBI, Secret Service and Capitol Police have written a threat assessment claiming that extremists could view the inauguration as “their last opportunity to influence the election results through violence.” reports Politico.

The threat assessment identified foreign terrorists, domestic extremists or lone wolves who could commit acts of violence, including vehicle ramming attacks, bomb hoaxes or assaults.

Likewise, law enforcement authorities expressed concerns that the protests could erupt into chaos, particularly as certain groups arrested during previous protests had applied for permits to demonstrate.

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The US Capitol prepares for the inauguration

The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol as a rehearsal takes place on the Western Front prior to the inauguration of President-elect Trump on Sunday, January 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick)

“Previous protests by some of these individuals have included traffic blockages, trespassing, destruction of property, and resisting arrest,” the threat assessment said.

Meanwhile, during a news conference with federal and local law enforcement officials about the inauguration on Monday, U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger warned that “lone players” pose the greatest threat to the inauguration festivities.

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Parade exercise

Members of the U.S. military’s Joint Honor Guard rehearse for the presidential inauguration Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in front of the White House. (AP Newsroom)

“I think the biggest threat to all of us remains the lone wolf,” Manger said. “Just last week, while President Carter was lying in state, two lone gunmen showed up at the Capitol: one tried to bring in knives and a machete, another tried, I believe, to disrupt the proceedings” by driving their car down the stairs “The area of ​​the Peace Circle was set on fire.”

“The Capitol Police were able to interdict these people before they had a chance to do any harm,” Manger said. “But this lone-wolf threat remains the greatest justification for us to be on this heightened alert for the next week.”

Therefore, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at the inauguration. Approximately 4,000 local police officers have volunteered to assist, and 7,800 National Guard soldiers will also be deployed.

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The US Capitol is surrounded by a fence

The U.S. Capitol is surrounded by a fence in preparation for January 6, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

Matt McCool, the Secret Service special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington field office, said a total of about 25,000 police officers will be deployed. McCool said this year’s inauguration plan includes a “slightly more robust security plan” compared to President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

“What I can tell you is that we are 100% confident that the plan we have put in place for this inauguration will keep the public and our protectees safe,” McCool said.

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Additionally, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said they were preparing for 12 separate First Amendment demonstrations at the inauguration, emphasizing that they had the right to peacefully protest. Still, she said violence is not allowed.

“I want to emphasize – as always – that violence, destruction and unlawful behavior will not be tolerated,” Smith said Monday. “The perpetrators face quick and decisive consequences.”

Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

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