US Capitol riots: FBI prepares for inauguration of Joe Biden

FBI Director Christopher Wray says the agency is prepared. Photo / AP

The FBI is tracking an "extensive amount of concerning online chatter", including calls for armed protests leading up to next week's presidential inauguration, director Chris Wray said yesterday (US time).

Wray, in his first public appearance since the January 6 riot at the US Capitol, said in a security briefing for Vice-President Mike Pence that the FBI remains concerned about the potential for violence at protests and rallies in Washington and in state capitols around the country.

Those events could bring armed individuals near government buildings and elected officials, Wray warned, noting, "One of the real challenges is trying to distinguish what's aspirational versus what's intentional."

Wray said the FBI was receiving a "significant" amount of information that it was pushing out to other law enforcement agencies before the inauguration. Information-sharing is critical before any significant public event, but is receiving particular scrutiny because of signs law enforcement was unprepared for the violent, deadly surge at the Capitol by loyalists of President Donald Trump.

Federal officials have warned local law enforcement agencies that the riot at the Capitol is likely to inspire others with violent intentions.

"We're looking at individuals who may have an eye towards repeating that same kind of violence that we saw last week," Wray said, adding that since January 6, the FBI has identified more than 200 suspects.

"We know who you are. If you're out there, an FBI agent is coming to find you," he added.

FBI Director Wray tells Pence the bureau is seeing "an extensive amount of concerning online chatter" about potential inauguration threats

"We're concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies" in D.C. and at state capitols nationwide, he says pic.twitter.com/mZZjKpfcIh

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 14, 2021

More than 100 people have been arrested so far, Wray said, and there are "countless" other investigations. States have already been stepping up security in preparation for possible armed protests and violence this weekend, particularly at State Houses amid legislative sessions and inaugural ceremonies.

Officials are reassessing their security plans for high-risk targets and police in major cities are preparing to be put on tactical alert if necessary.

An FBI bulletin this week warned of potential armed protests in all 50 states. To monitor threats, share intelligence and decide how to allocate resources, the FBI during the inauguration will operate a round-the-clock command post at headquarters and at each of its 56 field offices, Wray said.

"Our posture is aggressive, and it's going to stay that way through the inauguration," he said.