More arrests announced as inauguration security takes shape

FAN Editor

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a new intelligence briefing that domestic extremists pose the highest threat to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration next week, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News on Friday. Washington, D.C. is locking down ahead of January 20, when Mr. Biden will officially be sworn in.

Some extremists are motivated by belief that Mr. Biden would be an illegitimate president, according to the bulletin. It also mentions foreign adversaries amplifying disinformation in the run up to the inauguration and after the Capitol riots.

The bulletin also warns of violence against federal buildings, and according to one official, the bulletin says there are “continued opportunities for violence targeting public officials, government buildings, and federal and local law enforcement.”

The Homeland Security bulletin was issued on Thursday, the same day that FBI director Chris Wray said the agency is tracking an “extensive amount of concerning online chatter” as possible rallies and protests are planned in state capitols nationwide. 

Mr. Biden said Friday while outlining his COVID-19 vaccination plan that he felt safe about the inauguration. 

Meanwhile, more charges were announced on Friday from the January 6 assault on the Capitol. A Dallas-area realtor who prosecutors say took a private plane to Washington, D.C. was arrested in Texas, as well as two men who said a police officer told them “it’s your house now” in fear.

Charges were also announced against a man who said he contacted authorities regarding the death of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot to death by Capitol police. According to prosecutors, the man, David Charles Mish Jr., told police that Babbitt told an officer in the doorway “just open the door. They’re not going to stop.” Mish was charged with two counts: Unlawful entry on restricted buildings or grounds and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. 

Two Capitol police officers told CBS News‘ Kris Van Cleave that they didn’t think would make it out of the assault alive — and one recalled protesters yelling that they would “Kill him with his own gun.”  

Officer Mike Fanone, who volunteered to be there that day, described the assault as a “coordinated effort.” 

“I mean, they were almost counting cadence as they were pushing against us,” he said. 

U.S.-WASHINGTON, D.C.-CAPITOL-NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER
National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on January 14, 2021.  Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty

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