On Saturday, The Bureau of Prisons announced that federal prisons nationwide will undergo a temporary lockdown just ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration “in light of current events occurring around the country.”
“There is no specific information that triggered this decision,” the statement said. “This action is precautionary and is not in response to any significant events occurring inside our facilities.”
After the terrorist act of individuals storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan.6, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies increased their security measures in preparations for more violence, CNN reports.
Reports also mention that the FBI has received several tips that “armed protests” are being organized in every state capitol in America and at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C, days ahead of Biden’s Jan.20 inauguration.
Shane Fausey, president of the Council of Prison Locals, informed the outlet that he backs the national lockdown.
“In consultation with the Council of Prison Locals, and out of an abundance of precaution, I can only applaud the leadership of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for initiating this national lockdown,” he said. “With patience and support of the American people, I am confident the Bureau of Prisons and our outstanding employees will resume normal operations.”
During the lockdown, inmates will have limited access to phones and email to stay in contact with the loved ones, the bureau says. The BOP added that they hope to remove the lockdown after a short period, and everything could return normal “as soon as practical.”
