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Despite Talks, Riot at California Capitol Nowhere to be Seen

2 mins read

While the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned of a potential armed protest in Sacramento on Sunday, no demonstrators were seen at California’s Capitol during the weekend.

The warnings had several dozens of police officers patrolling the area assisted by National Guard troops armed with rifles. There were also many media and press ready to capture the events of a protest that did not show up.

California Capitol Riot

Despite some groups openly discussing plans to conducts protests downtown on President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, there has been no demonstrator presence found within the area. However, law enforcement personnel continued to be on guard and maintained a heavy presence around the Capitol this week.

Over the weekend, police officers set up surveillance cameras outside the state Capitol and the attorney general’s office. Several downtown businesses have opted to be safe and barricaded their stores, windows, and doors, anticipating a potential violent riot in the area.

The discussions of planned riots escalated after the siege on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 by pro-Trump supporters demanding justice. Earlier in the week, California State Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the deployment of 1,000 National Guard troops to ensure the safety of officials and residents in threatened areas.

“We don’t have specific information to indicate that a particular person or a particular group is going to be in Sacramento at a particular time, there’s just been general chatter on social media, people we’ve talked to said there are people who are planning to converge on the state capitol or other capitols,” FBI special agent Sean Ragan said, Cap Radio reported.

The previous attack on the U.S. Capitol invited criticism from many doubting the security at the California state Capitol. However, law enforcement and officials argued that authorities are capable of keeping rioters at bay. Despite the reassurance, some activists noted how the Capitol siege was handled far less brutally than racial justice protests.

Danielle Joyce Ong

Danielle is a local journalist with a passion for exploring stories related to crime and politics. When Danielle isn't busy writing or reading, she is usually exploring the great outdoors and all the hiking trails in the Bay.

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