Courts discuss security after warning of potential protest threats
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Courts across the country are discussing security after a news report said pro-Trump groups were considering storming courthouses.
The Texas Lawyer spoke with court officials in several states and also cited a statement by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
“Very active discussions are taking place at the national and local levels to make sure everyone is prepared,” the statement said.
Concern grew after ABC News reported that one group is planning to storm government offices in every state on Inauguration Day. The group also planned to storm state, local and federal courthouses, as well as administrative buildings, if President Donald Trump was removed from office before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Meanwhile, armed protests were planned at all 50 state capitols, according to the ABC report, which relied on information from an FBI bulletin.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said in a statement that the the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse will be closed to the public and court staff through Jan. 21, Reuters reports.
The statement cited the “national special security event” surrounding the inauguration.
The District of Columbia Courts have announced that they will be closed on Inauguration Day.
At least one group of Florida courthouses—in Broward County, Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit—is planning to close at noon on Inauguration Day, according to the Texas Lawyer.
Other officials who spoke with the publication said they are increasing security or remaining alert to threats.
