No Protest Reported In Annapolis Sunday, MD National Guard Ready

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Leaders say they are coordinating with federal, state and local authorities as the potential for unrest ripples beyond Washington, D.C., to Annapolis. The Maryland National Guard is on standby, according to authorities, who say it is a precautionary measure.

"At the governor's order, the MDNG has activated a standby force to support the civilian authorities responsible for maintaining peace and order in the state capital," Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen of the Maryland National Guard said in a statement Saturday.

"To be clear, no troops are being deployed at this time, but are standing ready to respond in the event they are needed," Gowen said. "The Maryland National Guard respects every American's right to protest peacefully. Our first priority is to protect people and property."

The FBI warned local leaders about plans for armed protests in every state capital earlier in the week, according to the Associated Press, as well as a possible uprising by an armed group planning to travel to DC on Inauguration Day and protest efforts to remove the president from office.

"We understand there is a lot of anxiety out there after what we saw last week at the Capitol," Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a YouTube video Friday afternoon. "I want to speak directly to the residents and the business owners in this city to let you know that we are prepared."

At least two Annapolis businesses nearby the State House — Ka-Chunk Records and Annapolis Green — planned to be closed Sunday, according to the Capital Gazette, which reported officials will add security personnel and restrict access around the State House Wednesday, coincidental with the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.

"We are communicating on a daily basis and planning with our federal partners — the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security — and our state partners," Buckley said. In addition, he said officials were coordinating with Maryland State Police, the Capitol Police, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Annapolis Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management.

"As of this moment, there is no credible threat to the city of Annapolis," Chief Kevin Simmons said. "However, you as a community can help us keep the community safe."

Added Simmons: "If you see something, say something."

Officials provided multiple ways to contact authorities if people want to provide tips:

• Annapolis Police Department non-emergency: 410-268-4141.
• Annapolis call center:410-260-2211.

Authorities also advise citizens to sign up for alerts at http://alertannapolis.civicready.com/.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department reported Thursday morning that it also had "no specific threat indicators in Anne Arundel County" and was working with the FBI, Maryland State Police, Annapolis Police Department and law enforcement in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia to share intelligence.

"While there may be additional demonstrations as we approach next week’s Presidential Inauguration, we have no specific threat indicators in Anne Arundel County," County Executive Steuart Pittman and Police Chief Amal Awad said in a joint statement.

A handful of Maryland State Police vehicles circled around the State House Sunday morning, but for the most, all was quiet in downtown Annapolis, according to The Capital Gazette.

"We fully support the right of citizens to demonstrate and/or protest either for or against the outgoing or incoming administrations and any other causes they may wish. However, law enforcement is continually collecting and analyzing investigative information to mitigate any threats," they said.

Pittman and Awad from the county issued the same message that city leaders gave — that people should report anything suspicious.

"Knowing that we cannot dismiss the possibility of a lone actor(s) conspiring to perpetuate specific acts, we are asking our community to partner with us and report any information, social media postings or observations of concerning conduct that could endanger the Anne Arundel County community," Pittman and Awad said.

Anyone who has information about suspicious activities or who sees concerning social media posts or conduct that could endanger the community may also alert the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 800-492-TIPS, or 800-492-8477.

Related:

• MD Boosts Statehouse Security; FBI Warns Of Armed Protests
• City Of Annapolis: Ensuring Safety, In The Aftermath
• Officer Suspended, Accused Of Involvement At U.S. Capitol: Anne Arundel County Police
• State Of Emergency Declared In Maryland Before Inauguration