Peaceful local alternative offered to counter possible armed protests ahead of inauguration
January 15, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The Vermont State House and skating rink, January 2020. File photo by Lisa Scagliotti
With tension running high after last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol and warnings of armed protests in all 50 states ahead of the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration, Vermont’s law enforcement agencies are on alert going into this weekend.
At the same time, Waterbury’s local racial justice organization has announced plans for a peaceful and safe response that people can join from home.
On Thursday, the Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition announced a daily series of four short online forums called “Stand for Peace and Justice” scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday.
The new grassroots community group that formed last summer condemned the attack last week on the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. when a rally by supporters of President Donald Trump to protest the result of the presidential election turned into a deadly riot.
The FBI on Monday warned about further armed demonstrations with the potential to turn violent planned for state capitals across the country starting as soon as Saturday and running “at least” through Inauguration Day on Wednesday.
In a news release Thursday, Vermont State Police said law enforcement agencies are coordinating their planning for various scenarios in upcoming days, but they do not have information about any threat specific to Vermont or the state capital although state legislators have reported threatening messages to Capitol Police.
State police said they are working along with Montpelier Police, Capitol Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and other local and federal law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation as posters circulating online call for demonstrations in capital cities on Jan. 17 and 20.
“My hope is that we’re over-prepared,” said Gov. Phil Scott at a Friday press briefing.
The governor last week condemned the Jan. 6 violence in D.C. and rebuked President Donald Trump for his role in inciting the attack on the Capitol. As demonstrations possibly spread out to the states, Scott on Monday said that he supports Vermonters who want to demonstrate and even lawfully carry weapons while doing so.
However, he cautioned the public to consider the timing of protests in light of the tension surrounding the inauguration.He warned about following extremist organizers of “these uprisings” who seek to continue the insurrection that unfolded in Washington.
“Don’t be played,” the governor said. “Don’t be used as a pawn by some of these extreme groups that are planning these protests around our nation to undermine our democracy, to overthrow the government.”
Also this week Montpelier Mayor Anne Watson released a short video with comments condemning the D.C. violence and asking Vermonters to use restraint regarding participating in protests in the coming days. While lawful assembly and political speech will be protected, Watson said that “insurrection, property damage and personal injury” will have legal consequences.
She urged viewers to exercise caution. “An armed gathering while national tensions are high has the potential to be very dangerous,” Watson said. She also addressed those who might want to demonstrate against those protesting the presidential election. “We are asking you to make the safe choice to refrain from direct in-person counter-protest activity.”
Watson added that on Jan. 20, Montpelier schools, City Hall and the State House will be closed to allow law enforcement to focus on any potential disruptions in the capital city.
State police ask the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious people, incidents or possible threats to their local law enforcement agency. Tips also may be submitted anonymously online at www.vtips.us.
Waterbury’s peaceful local alternative
The Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition is offering peaceful online gatherings to counter possible protests ahead of the presidential inauguration. Another suggestion to show support for peace is adding a light or candle to a window. Courtesy photo.
The message from the Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition echoes Watson’s call for restraint and safety: “Stay home. Please do not engage with or against reckless calls to arms. Stay home and stay safe.”
The group decries “rumored planned acts of violence in the days leading up to the Presidential Inauguration” and it aims to discourage those who might seek to confront those who reject Joe Biden’s election win.
“While we believe responsibility and accountability are critical to creating a more just and inclusive society, we also call on all of our neighbors to refrain from participating in or protesting against armed demonstrations - and instead look for ways to be safe and engage in peaceful and respectful civil discourse.”
Their planned online forums will allow individuals to gather virtually in real time for 15 minutes starting at 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, Jan. 17-20, using Facebook Live as a platform on www.facebook.com/WAARCVT.
Each session will feature a short video or reading for those gathered to comment and reflect on. The events will be recorded and posted on the page for people to view afterward.
“We hope to offer an opportunity to build shared energy around peace, healing, and reconciliation - while at the same time keeping people safe from violence and virus alike,” the group said in its announcement.
As part of the effort, the group also encourages local residents to show support for peace and justice by putting a candle or light in a window at sundown each night from Sunday through Wednesday. People are invited to share on the same Facebook page photos of their lights or art, writings, etc. on the topic.
Finally the group suggests other steps people might take such as contacting elected officials “to let them know violence will not be tolerated, and demand accountability from those who incite or engage in violent acts.” They also suggest donating to or joining groups such as their own or the Burlington Peace & Justice Center.