All U.S. federal prisons are temporarily closed ahead of Biden’s inauguration

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The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) said on Saturday it was securing all institutions “in light of the news happening across the country.”

“There is no specific information that triggered this decision,” the statement said. “This action is a precautionary measure and does not respond to important events occurring inside our facilities.”

FBI warns of 'armed protests' being planned in all 50 state capitals and Washington DC

Security measures are stepped up ahead of inauguration day, with federal, state and local law enforcement bracing for the possibility of more violence after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, killing five people, including a Capitol police officer.

The FBI also received reports that “armed protests” are planned at all 50 state capitals and the US Capitol in Washington, DC in the days leading up to Biden’s Jan. 20 inauguration, according to an internal bulletin obtained by CNN.

Shane Fausey, chairman of the Council of Prison Locals, told CNN in a statement that he supports the national lockdown.

“In consultation with the Council of Local Prison Sections, and as a precaution, I can only applaud the leadership of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for initiating this national lockdown,” he said. “With the patience and support of the American people, I am confident that the Bureau of Prisons and our exceptional staff will return to normal operations.”

Detainees will have limited access to phones and emails to stay in touch with their families, the BOP said. The agency added that it hopes to remove the lockdown after a short period and that operations will return to normal “as soon as possible”.

CNN’s Zachary Cohen and Whitney Wild contributed to this report.

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