Gottheimer Calls On President Trump To Denounce Domestic Terror

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Josh Gottheimer has been active in the run-up to this weekend, when additional violence could occur at Capitol buildings across the country.

On Wednesday, Gottheimer and Problem Solvers Caucus co-chair Rep. Tom Reed, of New York, wrote a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to condemn domestic terror.

The letter was co-signed by three senators and 38 members of the House of Representatives.

"We are deeply concerned that this dangerous propaganda, left unchecked, will lead to mass violence and put lives at risk. Further violent assaults on the Capitol or other democratic institutions will also undermine the peaceful transition of power that makes our great nation a beacon of democracy for the world," the letter read.

"In times of crisis and unrest, the nation relies on its elected leaders to do everything in their power to keep the American people safe and restore the peace. As bipartisan Members of the Senate and House, we ask that you please address the nation and unequivocally denounce domestic terrorism, condemn harmful propaganda, urge anyone considering mobilizing to stay home, and affirmatively state that you are no way supportive of violent messages of any kind. We must, as one nation, stand up against extremism in all its forms."

Read the full letter here.

In a separate letter to Federal Bureau of Investigations Director Christopher Wray, Gottheimer formally requested an FBI briefing on Capitol safety. He is seeking to learn:

• "The current threat assessment and intelligence gathering for these planned
  demonstrations;
• Our current defense capability including federal law enforcement and the National Guard; and
• Further guidance for all Americans to protect themselves and their communities should these demonstrations occur."

State capitols across the country are bracing for protests in the wake of last week's Capitol riots. 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.

New Jersey officials said they don't expect violence, but aren't taking anything for granted.

"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.

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

With reporting from Anthony Bellano.

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