AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Saying there are "no known threats" to the Austin area, Austin Police say they're prepared to address any incidents that may happen on Wednesday.
Assistant Chief Joseph Chacon held a briefing Tuesday afternoon, as concerns build over the possibility of potential unrest leading up to Joe Biden's inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
"We have put a robust plan in place to ensure the safety of the citizens of Austin," Chacon said.
The department is on tactical alert, meaning every single officer in the department is in uniform, even those who don't normally wear one, with gear necessary for any situation where crowd control may be needed.
Chacon said the department's focus is on providing a "safe space" for individuals to exercise their First Amendment rights.
The Texas State Capitol and the Capitol grounds remain closed and guarded by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Officials there have said the grounds will remain closed through at least Wednesday. A number of armed demonstrators gathered outside the grounds over the weekend, but protests remained peaceful and short-lived.
Chacon said 49 APD officers flew to Washington, D.C. on Monday to support the efforts in the nation's capital, with officers being deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service for the day on Wednesday. It's the fifth such inaugural that APD officers have assisted with.