Pittsburgh Police, Other Local Law Enforcement Taking Precautions For So-Called "Day Of Rage"
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Police and other local agencies are preparing after calls for protests on Friday in a number of cities.
Officials with the city say police will be ready for anything, and one of the things authorities are doing now is monitoring social media activity.
For the most part, Pittsburgh Police are expecting a relatively peaceful "Black Lives Matter" protest Friday. Still though, with the naming of the event, "Day of Rage," city officials are preparing.
"We are in close contact with the FBI, almost up to the point of an hourly update. We are monitoring the intelligence along with our federal partners," said Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.
Pittsburgh is on a list of 37 target cities for Friday's so-called "Day of Rage."
There is also information suggesting the group "Anonymous," a so-called "hactivist" group, is planning the event. The rumors are nearly identical to a false rumor circulated in 2014.
"It appears similar to a similar threat that occurred a year ago, and it turned out to be nothing," said Hissrich. "At the same time, we cannot take that as people will not show up."
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The expectation is that the protest will be peaceful, but the city promises to be ready.
"People just have to be aware of their surrounds," said Hissrich. "They should not have to change their plans, but just be aware of their surroundings. If they see anything suspicious, please call 911."
As we previously reported, there have been vague social media threats regarding Pittsburgh Police officers in Zone 5 of the city, because of that, officers are doubling up in cars until further notice.
