San Diego’s U.S. Attorney and the county's top prosecutor are asking for help in identifying potential violence before the presidential inauguration this week.
President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office on Wednesday and the event is considered a focal point for extremists trying to overturn the election.
The region’s top two prosecutors say they will not tolerate election-related violence ahead of or during the inauguration.
The FBI issued a warning last week that there was potential for violence in all 50 states.
U.S. Attorney Richard Brewer said he wants no repeat of the violence at the U.S. Capitol.
“The attack on Congress was a shameful and reprehensible affront to our democracy,” said Brewer. “Our Constitution protects the rights of free speech and assembly, but it does not protect mob violence, threats to harm public officials, assaults on law enforcement officers, or damage to government buildings."
San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan is poised to file charges against troublemakers.
“We are listening to everything that our community is telling us, the intelligence that they’re giving us,” Stephan said. “And we are working very hard to be prepared, but this is a partnership with our community.”
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Stephan is encouraging people to reach out to her office if they have heard talk of planned violence by local residents or people who are visiting.
She said government buildings that represent democracy are likely targets.
“The potential targets are wide and we want to make sure that we don’t limit ourselves. But at the same time, focusing on things that represent democracy, you know, have to be on our mind,” Stephan said.
Stephan asked for the public’s help in identifying people who may cause trouble.
Local officials will pay extra attention to government buildings that might be targets for violent groups.
