DEMONSTRATION OF “VISIBLE” STRENGTH

Rodriguez, speaking during the city council briefing, especially warned of misinformation on social media in the coming days and weeks that could affect security in the capital city.

International events like Israel’s war in Gaza add a “layer of complexity… that could lead to political violence,” he said.

The FBI said it was establishing a command post to monitor threats, while the Secret Service – the agency charged with protecting presidents, their families and senior officials – said it would “improve our security posture if necessary.” .

Capitol Police, many of whose members were injured during the Jan. 6 attack, declined to comment to AFP about their security preparations, although Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference that they were “prepared.” “.

No “credible threat” against Washington has yet been identified during the election period, Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a briefing.

The police will support peaceful protests, he said, but “we will not tolerate any type of violence.”

“We will not tolerate any riots, we will not tolerate the destruction of property, we will not tolerate any illegal behavior,” he said.

He promised a “visible” show of force in the city in the coming days and weeks, culminating in some 4,000 reinforcements for Inauguration Day on January 20.

On Friday, tourists packed a spot on the Ellipse, the park in front of the White House where Trump told his supporters on Jan. 6 to “fight like hell,” allowing a view of the White House.

“Look at the guns,” one muttered, as armed Secret Service agents stood silently at the barricades.