No Credible Threats of Inauguration-Related Violence in L.A. County, Residents Urged To Be Vigilant

Law enforcement agencies across the Southland will be on heightened alert Wednesday, but insisted there were no credible threats of local violence or disturbances connected with the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant.

Kristi Johnson, assistant director in charge of the FBI-Los Angeles field office, said the agency is not aware of any credible threats in the counties her office covers: L.A., Orange, San Bernardino, San Louis Obispo, Riverside and Ventura.

Law enforcement is nevertheless still preparing for potential violence.

“We have ensured we’re prepared for whatever may occur here. As the saying goes, we hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” L.A. Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.

The sheriff’s Special Operations Division is deploying its deputies in “larger numbers than normal,” the division’s chief said. There will also be an increased presence on transit systems throughout the county, and a large contingent of the department’s special weapons team on the ground and in the air throughout the week.

The sheriff’s department’s hazardous materials teams, canine units and tactical bomb technicians will also be deployed.

In Pasadena, Pasadena Chief of Police John Perez said his department continues to monitor for any threats to the region.

“We are in constant communication with both our federal and local law enforcement partners to gather any related intelligence information,” he said.

Perez said that the department stood ready to respond to any developing situations.

“In the event an unexpected demonstration does develop, we have security strategies in place and we have acquired the necessary resources to safeguard the Pasadena community,” Perez said.

Residents were urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or violence to law enforcement.