Maxine Waters Warns Supporters Not To Be “Baited” Into Confronting “Armed” Militia Group During Thursday’s Protest

Less than a month after receiving a “very serious death threat” Maxine Waters has issued a new warning to supporters.

In a Facebook posting on Wednesday evening, Waters wrote that she has been notified that anti-government militia group, Oath Keepers, is planning an “armed” protest in front of her district office in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon.

“I am requesting those individuals and groups planning a counter-protest to not be baited into confronting the Oath Keepers with any demonstrations in opposition – such an occurrence would only exacerbate tensions and increase the potential for conflict,” she wrote in the statement. “The Oath Keepers have a history of engaging in violent and provocative behavior. The group is known to protest in military-style clothing while carrying various assault weapons. The Oath Keepers would like nothing more than to inflame racial tensions and create an explosive conflict in our community.”

According to the Oath Keepers website, the group consists of present and former law enforcement officials and military veterans, and is one of the largest anti-government groups in the country today. On Tuesday, the group issued a “call to action” to protest outside of Waters’ office on July 19 from 1pm to 3:30 pm.

To ensure peace and security in the community, Waters went on to encourage to supporters that it’s “best and preferable” not to schedule any demonstrations “on the same date and time” as the Oath Keepers’ planned protest.

“As I have stated many times, peaceful protest and civil dissent is the foundation of our democracy,” she wrote. “All groups and individuals have the right to assemble and express their opposition to public officials and public policies – regardless of whether or not it is a group that shares our values.”

She continued, “Nevertheless, because of the Oath Keepers’ history of promoting violence and intimidation, my primary concern is to maintain the safety and security of the protesters, staff, and constituents of California’s 43rd Congressional District – a task that would be exceedingly complicated by large crowds of protesters and counter-protesters.”

The congresswoman added that the Los Angeles Police Department will have officers and personnel on site to provide safety and security on Thursday.