State, Local Police Brace For Possible Violence At NJ Capitol

NEW JERSEY — State and local law enforcement say they're working together to secure the state capitol in the wake of an FBI warning of possible violence across the country this weekend, according to officials.

"Color us in the category of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best and erring in the side of overpreparing," Gov. Phil Murphy said during his Wednesday news conference.

Col. Patrick J. Callahan, the superintendent of the State Police, said New Jersey and federal partners are "monitoring what we're hearing with regard to protests around the country and certainly in New Jersey."

"We'll continue to monitor that and have our assets ready," he said. He and the governor did not provide specifics.

However, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Jared Maples said there is not currently a credible threat to New Jersey.

"There is no known credible or specific threat to our state's capitol, but we are preparing for the worst," Maples said. "We've been on the phone with the FBI and our state and local partners on this, almost hourly."

Murphy reiterated his call that he made earlier in the week for everyone to stay home on Sunday.

"We respect your right to protest on whatever side of the issue you're on, but don't do it in the next week," Murphy said. "This is a bad week to be out there."

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said on Wednesday that his police department is working with the State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office "as part of a coordinated plan to ensure our safety if any protesters stray beyond the First Amendment right to peaceful protest."

In a message to the community, Gusciora said he was hopeful that the violence seen in Washington DC on Jan. 6 isn’t repeated this weekend.

The violence in the nation’s capitol happened after pro-Trump rioters stormed the capitol to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 Presidential Elections. The violence resulted in five people being called, including a Capitol Hill Police Officer from New Jersey and another police officer who took his own life.

“I know a lot of people are concerned,” Gusciora said. “What we saw last week in our nation’s capital was nothing short of tragic. Self-proclaimed ‘patriots’ attacking the very same institutions that have distinguished us from despotic regimes for more than 240 years. It’s unthinkable. It’s un-American. Now there is a flyer circulating online asking for armed protests at all state capitals on Jan. 17, 2021, including Trenton.”

Earlier this week, the FBI issued a warning regarding possible armed protests that could happen in Trenton and at other state capitols, as well as courthouses and administration buildings, this weekend.

One group is reportedly calling for protesters to storm these capitols if President Donald Trump is removed from office before Jan. 20. Read more here: NJ Preparing After FBI Issues Warning In Wake Of Pro-Trump Riots

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump on Wednesday, by a vote of 232-197. However, it is unclear when the senate trial to remove him from office might begin.

Now, Trenton is bracing for possible violence after having already seen violence related to protests over the summer. Protests following the death of George Floyd spilled over into violence, and resulted in 27 people being arrested. Read more here: Violence Follows Peaceful Protest In Trenton Over Floyd Killing

“My office and our law enforcement partners throughout the county will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our residents informed of any important developments,” Gusciora said. “Stay safe out there.”

Last week’s violence and the threat of further violence this weekend has drawn condemnation from all sides. In his response to Murphy’s State of the State Address on Tuesday, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick opened by saying he and Murphy are friends.

“What we saw in Washington was a disgrace to our country,” Bramnick said. “I deeply disagree with Gov. Phil Murphy’s approach to many of the areas of governing New Jersey, but he has been to my house. I have been to his house, and I feel confident that most New Jerseyans and most Americans are people of good will. We are not enemies; we are members of different political parties.”

“As an attorney, legislator, and mayor who has been in government for more than 20 years, I’m certain we will overcome this disturbing chapter in American history,” Gusciora said. “Our sacred institutions — including the ones right here in Trenton — have stood the test of time through multiple generations. Nothing is going to change that, even these recent threats against our capitol buildings. Let us take note together of what we as a city have overcome this year and be thankful for the loved ones in our life. The future is hope, not the twisted fake-patriotism we saw last week.”