As President-elect Joe Biden’s January 20, Inauguration Day approaches; Louisiana State Police and a posse of local and federal law enforcement prepare for any possible violent protests at the state capitol.
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In a statement, Louisiana State Police announced a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local public safety and law enforcement agencies ahead of planned protests at state capitols in all 50 states.
State Police says their department, along with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana Army National Guard, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and other agencies; are working closely to coordinate security protocols to ensure safety for protesters, Capitol grounds and staff, and the surrounding community.
The statement reads in part:
“Although no specific and substantiated threat to life or property have been identified at this time to include the State Capitol or other government buildings, partnering agencies will continually monitor for potential security concerns and provide timely notification should this change. All agencies remain steadfast in our mission to protect our citizens and respect those who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights, including the right to peacefully protest.
Criminal activity, the destruction of property, and the intentional incitement of violence prevents others from peacefully expressing their First Amendment rights and will not be tolerated.”
The various local and state agencies will be linked together through a multi-agency unified command center focused on gathering intelligence, assessing potential threats, and providing any additional resources needed.
The New Orleans Police Department is among the many local agencies standing by.
An NOPD statement regarding their commitment to public safety reads in part:
“The NOPD, along with its federal and state partners continue to monitor events ahead of the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2021.”
“Although no specific or substantiated threats have been identified, we will continue working with our partners to monitor for potential security concerns and make the proper notifications should a threat be discovered.”
“Citizens who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest are asked to do so in a respectful manner. Any criminal activity, destruction of property, violence, or threats of violence that prevents others from peacefully expressing their First Amendment rights will not be tolerated.”