NJ Preparing After FBI Issues Warning In Wake Of Pro-Trump Riots

NEW JERSEY — State officials asked residents on Monday to monitor any suspicious activity now that the FBI has issued a warning regarding possible armed protests that could happen in Trenton and at other state capitols this weekend.

Gov. Phil Murphy asked residents to stay home and avoid getting anywhere near possible protests in Trenton or elsewhere, but he did request that the public to share any information they might have about potential violence.

“We’re not going to get into much detail on this, but needless to say, we’re taking nothing for granted,” Murphy said during a news conference Monday afternoon.

“We'll be prepared; and we trust that those, if they do show up, that they do it in a peaceful manner,” New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan said. “We trust that if people do show up to the Statehouse, they go home safely.”

State capitols across the country are bracing for protests in the wake of a pro-Trump rally Wednesday that led to a riot in which five people were killed. On Monday, the FBI issued a bulletin warning that armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols, as well as courthouses and administration buildings, between Jan. 16 and 20, and at the nation’s capitol from Jan. 17 through Inauguration Day.

One group is reportedly calling for protesters to storm these capitols if President Donald Trump is removed from office before Jan. 20, either by impeachment or through the 25th Amendment.

“We’re putting all the resources available to make sure that violence doesn’t happen in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Jared Maples.

Maples added that the public should tell officials if they see suspicious activity by calling 866-4-SAFE-NJ or email tips@njohsp.gov. This includes planned violence or people saying things that “don’t seem right.”

“We need the community to report to us, and we deal with it in a way that’s respectful of everyone’s rights, but also ensures that everyone’s rights are protected on the other side and no violence occurs.”

Pro-Trump rioters raided Capitol Hill and interrupted a joint session of Congress in certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Despite a long delay, the process to certify the elections results was finished early the following morning.

One of those who as a result of the melee was New Jersey native Brian Sicknick, a Capitol Hill Police Officer. READ MORE: Cop Who Died After Capitol Hill Riots Was From NJ: Gov. Murphy

Leonard Guthrie of Cape May is among those who has been arrested in connection with the rioting. READ MORE: Cape May Man Among Those Arrested Amid Capitol Hill Riots

There is also a growing list of New Jersey lawmakers calling for Trump to be removed from office. READ MORE: NJ Lawmakers Call For President Trump's Removal

The aftermath of that day has resulted in raw emotions by Americans on both sides, and Murphy is advising caution for all New Jersey residents.

“I would ask you on Sunday, January 17, even if your heart is 1,000 percent in the right place, stay home,” Murphy said. “Stay home. There's just no need to get in the mix.”

Maples expects more announcements that would restrict potential violence.

“I’m certain all measures are being taken to tamp down the violence before it starts,” Maples said.

Steps are being taken in an effort to ensure safety across the state.

"It isn't just one building or one community," Murphy said. "Suffice it to say, any public building, any soft target, is something that we're looking very seriously at. I don't think you can give people assurances because that would be irresponsible on my part and our part to guarantee something when we are in unprecedented times. What would really help is if the folks who are enabling the president would stand up and say the right things right now."

But he said measures have been taken and will continue to be taken.

“When I say all steps are being taken, that does not mean we’ve got our feet up, thinking we’ve got this in the bag,” Murphy said. “We take all this very, very seriously, and we do not want to under prepare for this in any way, shape or form.”