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Washington is starting to pile on as the US elections are just around the corner

Washington is starting to pile on as the US elections are just around the corner

“VISIBLE” POWER TONES

During the city council briefing, Rodriguez warned in particular about disinformation on social media in the coming days and weeks that could affect security in the capital.

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

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

The Capitol Police, many of whose members were injured in the January 6 attack, would not comment to AFP on security preparations, although Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser told a news conference they were “prepared”.

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

Police would support peaceful protests, she said, but “we will not tolerate any violence.”

“We will not tolerate rioting, we will not tolerate the destruction of property, we will not tolerate unlawful behavior,” she said.

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

On Friday, tourists crowded 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” — where they had a view of the White House.

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