Between last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol,
and word of possible armed protests being planned at all 50 state capitols,
police all across the nation are on heightened alert,
and that includes law enforcement in the Hudson Valley.
Westchester County police officials say they are closely following events
in Washington, D.C.,
and they are monitoring all available law enforcement intelligence information
about any potential protests in New York.
They have additional
officers on patrol so you may notice an increase now through Inauguration Day
as a precaution.
Meanwhile, more than 20,000
National Guard troops are being brought in to help keep Washington, D.C. secure
while the Secret Service handles security planning for President-elect Joe
Biden's swearing in next Wednesday.
Law enforcement and the
National Guard have already begun expanding security perimeters around the
Capitol, the White House, and other key buildings.
The increase comes as
President Donald Trump released a taped statement condemning last week's
violence and calling for calm. "Whether you are on the right or on the left, a Democrat or a
Republican. There is never a justification for violence. No excuses, no
exceptions, America is a nation of laws."
Westchester County police officials say they also have detectives
assigned to several federal task forces, including the FBI Joint Terrorist Task
Force, which gives they say gives them real-time access to any credible threats
against Westchester or our region.
Many people who spoke with News 12 say some extra
preparation is a good thing. "We trust our police and they will take care
of it and I hope for peace," says Sue Bayan, of Yonkers.
As many violent riots and protests took place in
numerous U.S. cities over the summer, protests and marches in the Hudson Valley
were for the most part lawful and peaceful. People we're speaking with
say they believe that will be the case again. "I think maybe Albany, I
think maybe Washington, something is going to happen but I know that here in Yonkers
we're going to be safe," says
Joe Gross, of Yonkers. "I
can't see anything in Westchester it's too far removed from Washington," adds Ned Kelly, of Yonkers.