State police: ‘No specific threat’ of potential armed protest at Mass. State House

Though the FBI is warning of potential protests in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., leading up to, and the day of, the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, Massachusetts authorities say they aren’t aware of such activity planned here yet.

State police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement Monday afternoon that the department is aware of what are being referred to as “peaceful armed protests” possibly being planned in every state capitol across the country.

“To date, we are aware of no specific threat to government venues or to public safety generally in Massachusetts,” he said, noting that the department continues to work with the FBI and will monitor for any new information.

An internal bulletin on Sunday, reviewed by a couple members of law enforcement who relayed the information to the Associated Press, noted that the protests could start Saturday at state capitols, and run through Inauguration Day, with protests planned for the U.S. Capitol beginning Sunday.

While a spokesperson for FBI Boston said in an email that they could not comment on the “authenticity of the document,” they did say the division “is not in possession of any intelligence indicating any planned, armed, violent protests at the four state capitals in our area of responsibility (ME, MA, NH, and RI) from January 17-20, 2021.”

“The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights,” the statement said. “Our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution is dual and simultaneous, not contradictory. Accordingly, we are committed to investigating violent behavior and those who are exploiting legitimate, peaceful protests and engaging in violations of federal law.”

Last week, Gov. Charlie Baker, along with state House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka released a statement on security at the state house in the aftermath of the U.S. Capitol riot.

“The safety of the Massachusetts State House, its employees and its neighbors is of utmost importance,” they said. “As we witness the events in Washington D.C. and across the nation, we are aware of the need to ensure the safety of this building and those who work within it. We continually assess our security needs and will adjust as necessary.”

This morning, @MassLtGov, Speaker @RonMariano, Senate President @KarenSpilka and I issued a joint statement making clear that the safety of the State House, employees and its neighbors is of the utmost importance. pic.twitter.com/ZwdIlb4ca3

— Charlie Baker (@MAGovArchive) January 8, 2021

The State House has “a rigorous, multi-layered security operation,” according to Procopio. It includes state police officers, rangers from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and building security staff.

“As in all cases of protest activity, protection of lives and property and preservation of the right of lawful assembly are our objectives; we will be prepared to protect the rights of freedom of assembly in our areas of jurisdiction provided those involved abide by the law and respect the rights, safety, and property of others,” Procopio said.

Want to leave a comment?

Create an Account Or sign in to your account

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

To comment, please verify your email address

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com