(Trends Wide) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS, for its acronym in English) warned this Thursday about the possibility of acts of violence by people who participate or oppose the “Justice for J6” demonstration scheduled for Saturday, according to an unclassified intelligence report shared with state and local authorities obtained by Trends Wide.
The report also warned of possible acts of violence the day before the demonstration.
“We are aware of a small number of recent threats of online violence that make reference to the planned demonstration, including online discussions encouraging violence the day before the demonstration,” says the report from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. DHS.
Although the department believes that some people could be involved in violence, they have no indication of a specific or credible plot associated with the event.
DHS also warned that solo offenders and small groups of individuals can “move into violence with little or no warning, particularly in response to confrontational encounters with suspected opponents or calls for escalation by influential individuals. “.
The authorities have expressed concern that groups opposed to the demonstration represent another risk of violence.
The intelligence report indicates that the organizers of the event have indicated that they have received “death threats” from those who oppose the demonstration.
“A counter-demonstration is scheduled to take place on the same day in Freedom Square in Washington, which increases the possibility of acts of violence between alleged ideological opponents,” the statement read.
An additional challenge for law enforcement agencies is the likely use of encrypted or closed communication platforms by those who intend to commit violent acts, according to the report.
In early September, social media users spoke of storming the US Capitol the night before the rally, and one user commented on the kidnapping of a particular member of Congress, according to DHS.
Other references to violence on social media include discussions about the use of the demonstration to target local Jewish institutions, elected officials and “liberal churches.”
In addition, there are conflicting reports in the media that some members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers could attend the demonstration, according to the letter, which states that several members of these groups were arrested for crimes they allegedly committed during the assault. to the Capitol on January 6, including violent attacks on the forces of order.
The lawyer representing Ashli Babbitt’s family, who died while participating in the Capitol revolt, was also invited to speak, but has not yet confirmed his attendance, according to the brief.
“Some violent domestic extremists have promoted Babbitt as a martyr and used her death to advocate for violence,” the brief says.