FBI tracking ‘extensive’ online chatter about armed protests ahead of Biden’s inauguration

The agency says it is receiving a ‘significant’ amount of information that it’s pushing out to other law enforcement agencies ahead of the inauguration

The FBI has an ‘aggressive’ plan and will operate a round-the-clock command post at headquarters and at each of its 56 field offices, director Chris Wray says

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The FBI says it remains concerned about the potential for violence at protests and rallies around the United States. Photo: AP

Published: 10:41am, 15 Jan 2021Updated: 8:22pm, 15 Jan 2021

The US FBI is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter,” including calls for armed protests leading up to next week’s presidential inauguration, Director Chris Wray said on Thursday.

Wray, in his first public appearance since the January 6 riot at the US Capitol, said in a security briefing for Vice-President Mike Pence that the FBI remains concerned about the potential for violence at protests and rallies in Washington and in state capitols around the country.

Those events could bring armed individuals near government buildings and elected officials, Wray warned, while also noting: “One of the real challenges in this space is trying to distinguish what’s aspirational versus what’s intentional.”

Wray said the FBI was receiving a “significant” amount of information that it was pushing out to other law enforcement agencies ahead of the inauguration.

Information-sharing is critical before any significant public event like the inauguration, but the issue is receiving particular scrutiny because of signs law enforcement was unprepared for the violent, deadly surge at the Capitol by loyalists of US President Donald Trump.

Federal officials have warned local law enforcement agencies that the riot at the Capitol is likely to inspire others with violent intentions.

We know who you are. If you’re out there, an FBI agent is coming to find you

Chris Wray, FBI Director

“We’re looking at individuals who may have an eye towards repeating that same kind of violence that we saw last week,” Wray said, adding that since January 6, the FBI has identified over 200 suspects.