Lt. Col. James Carafano joins The Evening Edit to discuss concerns about extremist attacks prior to Biden’s inauguration
Starbucks stores in Manhattan closed amid fears of violent or disorderly protests days before President-elect Joe Biden took office.
The US Capitol riot on January 6 disturbed the country, but even more disturbing was news from the FBI that there was a measurable “online conversation” of new violent protests.
Governors in several states closed their capitols as a precaution, hoping to avoid similar incidents.
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Now, even companies have begun to take extra precautions to avoid a repeat of the 2020 protests against police brutality that saw New York City companies looted and vandalized.
A Starbucks spokesman confirmed to FOX Business that selected locations in Manhattan were closed – a decision made by local leaders, not at the corporate level.
The NYPD confirmed to FOX Business that there are protests planned for Sunday, although not at a level that would justify closing companies.
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“We have no indication that they are going to be big or cluttered,” said an NYPD spokesman. “I don’t know why Starbucks would close its business.”
An additional NYPD official confirmed that the force will maintain a “robust presence” at Trump-affiliated sites, including the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.
The force is evaluating measures each day, with no clear indication that other actions may take place in the days leading up to Biden’s inauguration.
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“After the inauguration, we will reevaluate our security posture,” said a senior NYPD official in a statement to FOX Business.