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Where are the US inauguration and Capitol protests today and how can I avoid them?
THE FBI has warned local authorities to be on high alert for potentially violent protests leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Biden will become the 46th president of the US on January 20, 2021.
* Read our on Joe Biden, Donald Trump and Wednesday's inauguration
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Where are the inauguration protests today?
Protesters - many in military garb - in multiple states, including , , , , , and .
The protests are expected to continue on January 18 and likely will not stop until the inauguration.
Cities had readied themselves for the threat of violence by erecting barriers and deploying thousands of National Guard troops.
However, some militia groups told followers not to attend over fears the planned events were really police traps.
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When are the US Capitol protests in DC?
"Armed protests" are also being planned for the US Capitol in .
In DC, the FBI is bracing for violence at joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, with the National Guard giving its soldiers the green light to use lethal force.
However, The federal agency did not give a specific day on when the riots will take place, only saying to be on high alert in the days leading up to the inauguration.
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Where else in the US are protests happening?
The warning to police officials nationwide was issued by FBI Director Christopher Wray and acting Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ken Cuccinelli.
In a January 13 notice, federal officials stated that anti-government militias and extremist groups "very likely pose the greatest domestic terrorism threats."
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State and local officials are already taking preparations into their own hands with less than a week before .
Police Chief Jorge Colina told the that Wray told them to "overshare intelligence," adding that "they don't want for us to assume anything that they already know - anything that we come across to please forward it."
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Gov Phil Murphy announced that state employees are ordered to work remotely on January 20, due to the "level of tension in the country."
On January 14, .
Biden's Saturday run-through has been pushed back to January 18, and his scheduled train journey from Wilmington, , to DC has been axed over threats of violence, sources told .
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Why are people protesting?
Supporters of are continuing to protest the president's election loss to Biden.
The FBI's warning comes amid a mob of Trump supporters on January 6, which turned deadly.
Rioters interrupted members as they were certifying the official count of the votes.
Overall, five individuals died, including Capitol police officer , and four Trump supporters, , 34, , 55, , 35, and , 50.
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How can I avoid the protests?
Below are some tips and course of action to take if you find yourself surrounded by a protest, or in a area where a demonstration has taken place.
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- Stay up to date with current news or contact your embassy and request regular updates if you are in a volatile area.
- If you hear that a demonstration is taking place, avoid the area or stay in your accommodation until you are sure that it's safe to go out.
- Before you go out, establish where the demonstration has taken place, and if possible avoid the area.
- Avoid any place where police or security force action is in progress.
- If you come across a demonstration, don't be curious just leave the area and find another route to your intended destination
- If you find yourself caught up in a protest or riot keep to the edge of the crowd where it is safest. Try not to be identified as one of the demonstrators by keeping well away from the leaders/agitators
- At the first opportunity break away and seek refuge in a nearby building, or find a suitable doorway or alley and stay there until the crowd passes
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- If you find yourself in a car with a protest around you, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away calmly
- If you cannot drive away, park the car, lock it and leave it, take shelter in a side street or doorway
- If you don't have time for this, stop and turn the engine off. Lock the doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show hostility or anger.
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