Oklahoma Leaders, Law Enforcement Prepared For Potential Planned Violence At State Capitol

About a week ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, the FBI warns of possible violence at state capitols across the country, including Oklahoma.

State leaders and law enforcement said they’re ready to respond to any problems at the state capitol or anywhere else.

Almost a week after rioters stormed the United States Capitol, the FBI said it's received information that armed protests could take place this weekend through the presidential Inauguration next week.

"Our concern is that a ploy to escalate these activities is completely unnecessary, and we're not going to get sucked into this vortex," said Don Spencer.

Don Spencer is the Oklahoma Second Amendment association president and said the group is encouraging members not to participate in any gatherings this weekend through next week because they think the message could be hijacked by people with bad motives.

"Private property damage has no useful purpose," said Spencer.

The governor's office sent News On 6 a statement that said in part, "The governor has consistently supported the right to peaceful demonstration but there is no place for violence or damage to property. "

Broken Arrow State Representative Ross Ford said he agrees people have a right to peacefully protest and hopes if there are any gatherings, it will stay that way.

"If they want to cause trouble, our state troopers will take care of the situation," Ford said. "I'm not afraid to go to the capitol, and do the people's work."

Oklahoma state troopers guard the capital and said in a statement, "Any time there is a large, planned event at the capitol, we are ready with extra personnel."

"We are hoping and praying civility will rule the day," Ford said.

In Tulsa, both the police department and sheriff's office said they aren't aware of any threats. The Oklahoma National Guard also said they haven't being deployed but are ready if they're needed.