Murphy says he’s aware of FBI reports of N.J. protests, slams officials who remain silent

Citing an FBI bulletin, ABC News is reporting calls for “storming” state, local and federal government buildings if President Donald Trump is removed from office before January 20.

“Armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols from 16 January through at least 20 January, and at the US Capitol from 17 January through 20 January,” ABC News reporter Aaron Katersky reported in a tweet.

The FBI has “received information about an unidentified armed group” that has warned of a “huge uprising” if Congress attempts to remove Trump through the 25th Amendment, Katersky reported.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he was aware of planned protests but declined to address specifics.

“We’re taking nothing for granted,” Murphy stated.  “We’re obviously taking the security risks deadly seriously and will continue to do so.  We will take all the precautions that we think are necessary.”

Jared Maples, the director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said the state was “putting all the resources available to make sure that violence doesn’t happen in New Jersey.”

Murphy asked New Jerseyans who might want to join in a counter-protest to “stay home.”

“There’s just no need to get in the mix,” he said.

Col. Patrick Callahan, the New Jersey State Police Superintendent, said he was unaware of any current or former state troopers who were involved in the January 6 protest at the U.S. Capitol.

At his regularly scheduled new briefing, Murphy posted some images of protestors, calling them jerks.

“Shirts disgustingly glorify the Holocaust were present.  Just think about that – inside the halls of the United States Capitol in 2021,” he said.

Murphy called out political leaders who have “not spoken out against yet against this insurrection last week.

“This is who your silence is enabling.  This is who you are standing with.  This is what you are telegraphing to the world that you are okay with representing,” Murphy said. “When you refuse to denounce what they’ve done – that’s the same as giving them a pass. Think about what your silence in the face of political violence is enabling.”