MSA Intel Alert: Update on Nationwide Protests

Be advised, lawful nationwide protests are planned to continue today and throughout the weekend, with the continued probability of larger demonstrations to occur. While the majority of protests that have occurred in hundreds of cities throughout the U.S. have been less disruptive and aggressive over the past week, incidents of vandalism, arson, property destruction, vehicle-rammings, shootings, and clashes with police have continuously occurred in major metropolitan areas, including, but not limited to: Baltimore, Chicago, New York City (NYC), Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Austin, Louisville, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle.

Though demonstrations have continued across the nation, attendance has appeared to drop since last month; however, attendance at protests can be bolstered from events such as court decisions, local government decisions, and perceived cases of police brutality. While participation in these demonstrations has largely waned since the very start of the movement, numbers for any protest can still include hundreds to thousands of individuals. Due to recent updates in judicial proceedings for cases that led to nationwide demonstrations, protests are expected to escalate this weekend in Minneapolis, Portland, Wauwatosa, Louisville, and NYC. Additionally, the number of protests and the size of these demonstrations are expected to gradually increase in the next two weeks, leading up to the second 2020 Women’s March on October 17. Hundreds of protests are expected to be held across the country in solidarity of this event, with thousands of people expected to partake in demonstrations in Washington, D.C.; however, due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, lower turnouts are expected.

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, as seen with the recent increase in gun violence in major cities across the country, as well as damage to federal establishments and various police facilities. In preparation for possible violent escalations, authorities advise potentially vulnerable businesses to develop proactive protection plans that start with thorough, real-time threat monitoring that enable business owners to identify threats as they arise and maintain situational awareness. Federal law enforcement officials have advised state and local police, security agencies, and those participating in demonstrations, especially during the weekend, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons attempting to incite violence.

Below, please find an updated list of known upcoming protests that will be occurring in major cities across the U.S. and Canada. The following list is provided by MSA Security’s Intelligence Department to paid subscribers on a weekly basis. If you wish to learn more about this offering, contact us today.