Washington: All 50 states in the US have been put on high alert amid armed protests threats in the US on January 17 and threats of a march in Washington DC. Security has been tightened in all states including Columbia DC prior to the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden. In the wake of the January 6 riots, troops of the National Guard from across the country have been sent to Washington. Columbia DC has been converted into a cantonment.
Appeal to see the swearing-in ceremony from home
US security agency FBI has warned of possible armed protests by Trump supporters and protesters in all 50 state capitols. The National Mall in DC has been closed as a precautionary measure. Security arrangements are being made.
Barricading is being done on the streets of the capital amid tight security. On the other hand, Biden’s team has already urged citizens to avoid traveling to the capital due to Corona pandemic. Local authorities have appealed people to watch the ceremony from their homes.
Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Parliament
On Jan 06, Trump told his supporters “we will never give up” and directed everyone in attendance to march to the Capitol building and thousands of his supporters not only attacked the Parliament complex but the US constitution.
Democracy was taken hostage during the riots that lasted nearly four hours. During this, there was fierce sabotage and firing. Five people were killed in police action. During the attack, the process of sealing Biden’s victory was underway in Parliament. The incident was criticized worldwide. Two more people have been arrested in the Parliament attack.
52 people were captured on the day of the attack. The FBI has sought help from people to identify the attackers. Here, Democratic lawmakers have urged people to keep the attack data safe.