LAKELAND – The election is over, more than 60 court cases over ballots have been settled, and a new United States president has been sworn into office – but not before a horrified nation watched as supporters of President Donald Trump, many of them adherents to wild conspiracy theories, attempted a riot at the U.S. Capitol, which led to the deaths of five people.
The violent mob that entered the Capitol on Jan. 6 can be heard on videos chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” referring to the U.S. vice president, who did what the constitution required of him by certifying the election results. Accounts of the day show that Pence escaped encountering them by 60 seconds as the Secret Service rushed him and his family from the U.S. Senate chamber to a nearby office.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning this week to alert the public about a growing risk of attacks by âideologically-motivated violent extremistsâ agitated about âperceived grievances fueled by false narratives.â
DHS periodically issues such advisories through its National Terrorism Advisory System. Local, state and federal agencies will provide specific information about emerging threats as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
A statement reads, âDHS does not have any information to indicate a specific, credible plot; however, violent riots have continued in recent days and we remain concerned that individuals frustrated with the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances and ideological causes fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize a broad range of ideologically-motivated a