January 11, 2021 3:50 p.m.

Amid reports from multiple news networks that an internal Federal Bureau of Investigation memo warns of plans for armed protests in all 50 state capitols ahead of the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden, the FBI issued a carefully worded statement to News Radio 1240 KQEN on Monday afternoon.

The FBI’s National Press Office in Washington D.C. said its standard practice is to not comment on specific intelligence products as it supports state, local, and federal law enforcement partners with maintaining public safety in the communities it serves. The statement said its efforts are focused on “…identifying, investigating, and disrupting individuals that are inciting violence and engaging in criminal activity”.

The statement said the FBI is gathering information to identify any potential threats and are sharing that information with its partners. It said, “The FBI respects the rights of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. Our focus is not on peaceful protesters, but on those threatening their safety and the safety of other citizens with violence and destruction of property”.

Fox News Radio, ABC News, the Associated Press, CNN and other news outlets have reported that an internal FBI bulletin warned on Sunday that protests may start later this week.

Stay with News Radio 1240 KQEN and check www.541radio.com for updates.