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Metro Detroit police on high alert in anticipation of unrest, protesting at local courthouses

Detroit police vehicle
Posted at 4:54 PM, Jan 12, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-12 18:51:20-05

(WXYZ) — The FBI is warning law enforcement in all 50 states to be ready for more violent protests in their own local areas, similar to what happened at the U.S. Capitol. This is in connection with a possible early ouster of President Trump or next week during the transition of power to incoming President Joe Biden.

We've already had peaceful protests in Michigan, Lansing and Detroit with the election.

The TCF Center in downtown Detroit was ground zero for "Stop the Steal" protests where the Detroit vote was counted.

Police Chief James Craig says nothing is known regarding planned protests outside the center now, but that can change as possible targets include local and federal courthouses, which are right down the street.

“Law enforcement is typically ready to respond to any type of emergency as it develops," said Acting Wayne County Sheriff Daniel Phannes. "Intelligence gives us the ability to foreplan and have our resources in place.”

We've also seen the protests in Lansing. Law enforcement has been put on notice the Michigan Capitol could be a target on Saturday or Sunday.

After the riot last week at the U.S. Capitol, the FBI has also told local law enforcement that cities and courthouses in all 50 states would be targets if President Trump is forced out of office early, or during the inauguration of President-elect Biden.

Trump supporters have even talked about their plans on social media.

A Facebook page called Milford Conservatives Matter included a post criticizing a recent 7 Action News investigation on Republican State Rep. Matt Maddock and his wife Meshawn, who will be the next GOP state co-chair.

Minutes later, that page was changed to private.

Meshawn did tweet out criticism of the riots in D.C., but did not provide a comment to 7 Action Nes.