MSA Intel Alert: Update on Nationwide Protests 12.10.20

Be advised, lawful nationwide protests are planned to continue today and throughout the weekend, with the probability of larger demonstrations to occur; however, due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a continued uptick in cases across the U.S., lower turnouts are expected. Health official have warned that the protests themselves could help spread COVID-19 if demonstrators are not practicing safe social distancing.

Another “Million MAGA March” has been planned to occur in Washington, D.C. this Saturday, December 12. Similar to the demonstrations held on November 14, the number of protests and the size of these demonstrations are expected to increase over the next few days and especially this Saturday, December 12, with opposing demonstrations planned to occur in hundreds of cities nationwide, many of which are in regards to the results of the presidential election.  Hundreds of protests are expected to be held across the country, with thousands of people expected to partake in demonstrations in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. At this time, it is unclear if the demonstrations on Saturday will attract a similar number of protesters and counter-protesters as the November 14 protests due to the ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases across the country.

While lawful demonstrations have been mostly peaceful over the past week, the announcement of president-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the U.S. presidential election has led to additional protests and calls for violence. Election-related civil unrest has observably decreased when compared to earlier in November and months prior; however, protest activity in response to COVID-19 safety restrictions has continued to occur in multiple states amid the upcoming holidays. Recently, authorities have noted that the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions have contributed to heightened tensions between the public and police, as discontent toward law enforcement officials continues to grow throughout the nation.

Previous protests across the U.S. have occasionally resulted in incidents of vandalism, arson, property destruction, vehicle-rammings, shootings, and clashes with police, which have occurred in major metropolitan areas, including, but not limited to: Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Austin, Louisville, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. 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. Federal law enforcement officials have advised state and local police, security agencies, and those participating in demonstrations, especially during the weekend, to 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. between today, Thursday, December 10, and Thursday, December 31. 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.