MSA Intel Alert: Update on Nationwide Protests 11.5.20

Widespread demonstrations are expected to continue today into tomorrow morning, as the results of the U.S. 2020 presidential elections remain unknown. Protests are expected to continue throughout the nation, especially in populous cities such as Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and others. A number of demonstrations from across the nation are organized by the grassroots organization, “Protect the Results,” which aims to ensure the counting of all ballots. Groups have also begun holding impromptu demonstrations at polling stations where protestors on opposing sides are demonstrating to stop the counting of ballots. It remains likely that participants from both sides will branch off into other impromptu demonstrations throughout the remainder of the day and into night. Protests throughout the nation have already begun in a number of cities, most of which are currently peaceful. As these protests continue into the later hours of the evening, civil unrest and other forms of violence are likely to occur.

Additionally, the number of protests and the size of demonstrations are expected to increase today in solidarity with the annual worldwide Million Mask March (MMM). The MMM coincides with Guy Fawkes Day and is associated with the hacktivist group "Anonymous," as well as several anti-government anarchists’ organizations, to protest against mass internet surveillance, austerity economics, official corruption, the erosion of civil liberties and other causes. Groups such as this have recently become increasingly active in times of civil unrest. Over the past few years, the annual global event has decreased in traction and attendance, with the majority of participation occurring in the UK; however, due to the event occurring just days after the presidential election, this year’s event is likely to bolster the ongoing protests.

Civil unrest throughout the nation is expected to continue to occur in the later hours of the evening. Last night, dozens of people were arrested following incidents of looting, vandalism and violence. Despite many states and cities expecting there to be some form of civil unrest, there have been no reports of any city declaring a curfew as of yet; however, the situation remains fluid and details are subject to change. As uncertainty over election results will likely continue, authorities have prepared for additional planned demonstrations. The threat posed by outside or criminal actors taking advantage of the protest activity to advance their agenda remains high, and impromptu actions are possible.

Below, please find an updated list of known upcoming protests that will be occurring in major cities across the U.S. and Canada between today, Thursday, November 5, and Sunday, November 15. The number of protests and locations of these events are expected to continue to increase throughout the week and into the weekend.

MSA Intel will continue to monitor nationwide protest activity and provide relevant updates.