DOTHAN, Ala. — After the recent storming on the U.S Capitol, government officials have taken action to ensure everyone is safe.
Monday, the FBI issued out a warning to all 50 state capitals and Washington D.C to plan for any armed protests.
This is all leading up to the inauguration for President-elect Joe Biden. which is one week away.
In the past, Dothan has had protests here during the Black Lives Matter Movement, and officials said they were peaceful. Although, they are prepared in case of events go wrong.
“We had a few protests earlier in the year, and they both turned out very peaceful, but we were planned if we would have had some type of resistance.” Houston County Sheriff Donald Valenza said.
Valenza said believes people should exercise their right to protest, but it must remain peaceful. However, the chances of citizens overtaking local official buildings are not likely.
Over in Dale County, Sheriff Wally Olson said they are prepared and believe staying in touch with the community helps prevent protests like this.
“Usually though, if you stay involved and sort of keep up with what’s going on, you’ll have somewhat of a heads up of what’s happening in the community so we’re prepared for those as they come,” Olson said.
Assemblies held in 2020 in Dale County also remained peaceful.
Olson said they have more than enough manpower and resources to handle protests if they were to escalate.
However, with the Wiregrass community being so close and looking out for one another, officials aren’t concerned of a repeat of what happened at the Capitol.
