Pasadena Police on Alert Ahead of Inauguration Day

Police said there are currently no known threats or planned demonstrations for Inauguration today in Pasadena. (File photo)

Following the storming of the U.S. Capitol building by supporters of President Donald Trump last week, police in Pasadena, like other law enforcement agencies nationwide, are keeping a close eye on any potential signs of trouble locally ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

No safety concerns pertaining to Pasadena were known, according to Pasadena Police Chief John Perez said Friday.

“As we get closer to inauguration day, the Pasadena Police Department continues to monitor for any threats to the region and we are in constant communication with both our federal and local law enforcement partners to gather any related intelligence information,” he said.

“As of now, we do not have any known threats or protests scheduled in Pasadena,” he said.

But Perez added 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.

In a video posted to social media Wednesday, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva addressed residents, saying “your public safety is my priority.”

Villanueva condemned the mob violence that took place at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6 — when a destructive group of President Donald Trump’s supporters breached the building in an attempt to halt the election certification. He compared his disapproval of that day’s events to “the rioting and looting we saw after the killing of George Floyd.”

He urged residents to exercise their First Amendment rights to speech and protest, but said “it has to be in a manner that does not harm our Communities.’”

At a Los Angeles Police Commission meeting Tuesday, Chief Michel Moore said no specific threats had been made to the city or elected officials, but that the agency would continue monitoring.

Moore addressed what he called a “grievous moment in our time, and in this great democracy, and in the next few days as we move towards this inauguration,’” saying his commitment was “for the safety of Los Angeles, by ensuring that we have added deployment of personnel, that we are ensuring the safety of our city facilities, we are monitoring closely with our state and federal representatives on any information strains, tips or leads relative to protest activity here in the Los Angeles region.”

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray, California Office of Emergency Services Director and Homeland Security Adviser Mark Ghilarducci and California National Guard Adjutant General David Baldwin issued a joint statement Wednesday about preparations for possible violence in Sacramento and beyond.

“Our collective agencies are working closely together and remain vigilant to respond to potential threats that may occur anywhere in the state, including the Capitol,” they said. “Collectively, we maintain strong relationships with our security and intelligence partners at the local, state and federal levels and are continually monitoring and sharing information about possible emerging threats to the state.

“Together, our role is to safeguard lives and property and ensure that California remains a safe place for those who live, work and travel within the state while ensuring the ability of individuals and groups to lawfully exercise their First Amendment rights.”

Trump, who was impeached Wednesday for allegedly inciting last week’s riot at the U.S. Capitol on the day Congress was certifying his defeat in the November election, issued a statement decrying any plans for disruptive activity leading up to the inauguration of Joe Biden.

“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” he said. “That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank you.”

Suspicious activity can be reported to the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.