PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) -- Federal law enforcement officials are warning about the potential for violence at the U.S Capitol and elsewhere on Thursday connected to far-right extremist groups. They’re asking local agencies to be on the lookout.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security sent out a joint bulletin to several law enforcement agencies, obtained by CBS News and other news organizations, warning that a group of militia extremists had discussed trying to take control of the Capitol on March 4, and encouraging thousands of people to go to Washington, D.C., to try to remove Democrats from power.
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They are asking other law enforcement agencies throughout the country to report any suspicious behavior connected to domestic extremism, saying there is a potential for violent acts from small groups of people or lone-wolf types using "simple tactics and easy-to-acquire weapons."
Philadelphia Police Department spokesman Sgt. Eric Gripp said Thursday morning, "We continue to monitor reports out of Washington, D.C., regarding possible threats against the U.S. Capitol complex. While there are no specific threats to our area, out of an abundance of caution, we have increased patrols around critical infrastructure throughout the city."
There are also worries that there could be more violence at the U.S. Capitol. Acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman, in testimony at a House committee hearing on Wednesday regarding the Capitol Police’s FY2022 budget, said they had "concerning intelligence."
The agency said Wednesday they had uncovered details of a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the Capitol on Thursday. The news comes nearly two months after a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the iconic building to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
“We do realize that the possibility of a similar incident occurring in the current environment is a very clear and present danger,” Pittman said.
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Pittman said they were working with other law enforcement agencies and the National Guard to protect the Capitol and lawmakers.
"In the first two months of 2021, there has been over a 93% increase in the threats to members compared to the same period last year," she said.
The House canceled its session Thursday as a precaution.
A lot of the concern is based on what the extremist group QAnon has been getting out there to its supporters, including a conspiracy theory that former President Donald Trump would actually get back in office today.
The significance of March 4 is that it was Inauguration Day until 1933, when it was moved to Jan. 20.
There is also concern for the security of House impeachment managers, which includes U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean from Montgomery County.
CORRECTION: March 4 was not established as Inauguration Day in the U.S. Constitution.