Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have the manpower and equipment in place to contend with any violence that might break out at the Florida Capitol over coming days, according to U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe
You can help the FBI identify rioters who stormed the US Capitol
UP NEXT
Keefe, in a Wednesday interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, said there is no specific threat against the Capitol “at this time.” However, he said he is “very concerned” about warnings from the FBI of possible violence at all 50 state capitols heading into Inauguration Day on Jan. 20.
“In fact, I don’t know a single law enforcement professional at the federal, state or local level that has any involvement in any of this right now that isn’t extremely concerned,” he said. “But the key is there’s always the hope that the threat doesn’t materialize or happen. I’m comfortable with where the federal, state and local law enforcement personnel and leadership are in terms of preparing for the threat.”
There will be a law enforcement presence around the Capitol over coming days, but Keefe said the extent of it will be directly related to intelligence gathered by law enforcement.
“Law enforcement … has the personnel, has the equipment, is positioned to adapt to whatever the level of the threat is and is appropriate for the circumstance,” Keefe said. “And that can vary day to day, hour to hour.”
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
Metropolitan D. C. police released these photos of some of the rioters who overwhelmed police, breached the U.S. Capitol and forced Washington into a lockdown Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020.
26/26 SLIDES
He said the goal is to stop any kind of an attack before it can be carried out.
“In counter-terrorism, it is the role and function particularly of federal law enforcement … to in a constitutionally compliant way, identify threats before they materialize and before the violence happens, to do everything you can constitutionally compliantly to identify, detect, disrupt and dismantle it before an event were to happen.”
Keefe said he is not advising people to avoid the Capitol at this time, though that’s subject to change. Earlier this week, state Senate President Wilton Simpson and others advised staffers to avoid the Capitol on Sunday, a date flagged by the FBI for possible violence at statehouses.
“Everybody needs to stay informed, to be apprised and to make appropriate decisions for themselves,” he said. “If there comes a time from a federal standpoint … that it’s important that the threat level be heightened and there be an expression not to go to a particular area, then I have full faith and confidence that that communication will happen.”
Police with guns drawn watch as a mob tries to break into the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021. Donald Trump’s supporters stormed a session of Congress held today, January 6, to certify Joe Biden’s election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup.
Congress staffers barricade themselves after Trump supporters stormed inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021.
A protester adorns a statue of President Gerald Ford with Trump paraphernalia.
Pro-Trump rioters protest inside the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation’s capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
Jacob Anthony Chansley, aka Jake Angeli of Phoenix, yells inside the Senate chamber on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Congress held a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol during mass demonstrations in the nation’s capital.
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results
A rioter holds a Trump flag inside the US Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
A supporter of President Donald Trump sits inside the office of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
Rioters enter the Senate chamber on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
A protester sits in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
Protesters attempt to enter the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 after mass demonstrations during a joint session of Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation’s capital.
A Capitol police officer looks out of a broken window as protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Pro-Trump rioters roam under the Capitol Rotunda after invading the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol’s Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
House of Representatives members leave the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is at center.
Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
Supporters of President Donald Trump, including Jacob Anthony Chansley, aka Jake Angeli of Phoenix, center, who breached security enter the Capitol on Jan. 6 as Congress meets to confirm the 2020 presidential election.
Lawmakers say rioters failed in their attempts to disrupt democracy.
Supporters of President Donald Trump enter the U.S. Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor on Jan. 6, 2021.
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits at a desk after invading the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
27/27 SLIDES
Keefe, who has a residence in downtown Tallahassee, said his family is planning to visit this weekend.
“I feel comfortable and I feel safe for myself and my family based on all the things that I know about what’s going on with federal, state and local law enforcement, the level of preparation, the level of intelligence collection that is going on to really understand what threat exists at any point in time,” he said.
The Capitol has seen repeated “Stop the Steal” protests since Election Day, though the gatherings have been peaceful. The city has not issued any permits for protests through Inauguration Day, though here’s “chatter” about possible protests on Sunday.
Keefe said federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are talking continuously.
“Everybody’s on a heightened state of alert,” he said. “Everybody has each other on speed dial. There are literally 24/7 command posts of constant communication. There’s no lack of communication. And the key is sustaining that.”
He noted that there is no official date for when the threat will begin or end.
“So we’re also making certain that we have the stamina, the resources and we’re in a posture to continue as long as its needed even beyond Inauguration Day if that’s the case.”
Check back with Tallahassee.com for more on this story.
Contact Jeff Burlew at [email protected] or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
Weapons are distributed to members of the National Guard outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., walks past members of the National Guard as he arrives at the US Capitol in Washington, Jan. 13, 2021, ahead of an expected House vote impeaching US President Donald Trump.
Hundreds of National Guard troops hold inside the Capitol Visitor’s Center to reinforce security at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 13, 2021.
Hundreds of National Guard troops hold inside the Capitol Visitor’s Center to reinforce security at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 13, 2021.
Weapons are distributed to members of the National Guard outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment.
Members of the National Guard stand inside anti-scaling fencing that surrounds the Capitol, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Washington.
The U.S. Capitol is seen behind security fencing, on Jan. 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed and desecrated the U.S. Capitol on January 6 as Congress held a joint session to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
DC National Guard troops stand watch at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Security fencing goes up on Jan. 7, 2021 around the United States Capitol following the Wednesday riot by Pro-Trump supporters.
Workers reenforce a crowd control fence around Capitol Hill with concrete barriers a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on Jan. 7, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Virginia National Guard troops stand watch near the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 08, 2021 in Washington, DC. Fencing was put up around the building the day before, following the storming of the Capitol by Trump supporters on Jan. 6.
Members of the National Guard patrol outside the U.S. Capitol, Jan 7, 2021.
U.S. Capitol Police set up a fence near the U.S. Capitol on January 7, 2021 in Washington, DC.
A Capitol Police officer stands with members of the National Guard behind a crowd control fence surrounding Capitol Hill a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on Jan 7, 2021, in Washington, DC.
DC National Guard walk around the Capitol grounds, Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington.
Members of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia are seen in front of the U.S. Capitol on January 07, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Members of the Maryland National Guard stand guard around the Dirksen and Russell Senate Office Building on Jan. 08, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Members of the Maryland National Guard stand guard around the Russell Senate Office Building a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Conditions around the United States Capitol following the previous day unrest by President Donald Trump supporters on Jan. 7, 2021.