Pittsburgh Police Ordered To Begin Carrying Riot Gear In Case Trump Fires Mueller

Police detectives in Pittsburgh have been instructed to bring their riot gear to work over fears that President Trump will soon fire special counsel Robert Mueller, sparking widespread protests, reports KDKA-TV.

A memo went out to the police department from Victor Joseph, commander of the Pittsburgh Bureau of police, warning them of a “potential large scale protest” in the city.

Police believe the protest would happen within 24 hours of Mueller’s firing.

“There is a belief that President Trump will soon move to fire Special Prosecutor Mueller. This would result in a large protest within 24 hours of the firing,” the emails states.

“We have received information of a potential large scale protest in the Central Business District. The protest would be semi-spontaneous and more than likely happen on short notice,” the email says. “Beginning Thursday, all Major Crimes detectives are required to bring a full uniform and any issued protective equipment (riot gear) with them to work until further notice.”

SOURCE: This is the email sent to Pgh detectives this morning. I am working to get a response from the city as well as additional details on the potential protests. #WTAE pic.twitter.com/xtOuUc220p

— Marcie Cipriani (@MCipriani_WTAE) April 18, 2018

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich released a statement about the possible protests:

“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police receives information daily that we evaluate and prepare for if the event should occur. Events can include anything from extreme weather to potential demonstrations.

“Often the events we prepare for do not occur. However, through an abundance of caution, we attempt to adequately prepare for an appropriate response.
“We receive information regularly about potential events and/or threats, assess the credibility of the information and plan for a potential event. In this case, we have not assessed the credibility of the potential for disturbances, and we do not have any knowledge of the President’s decision-making process.”

“There is a belief that President Trump will soon move to fire Special Prosecutor Mueller. This would result in a large protest within 24 hours of the firing,” the email read.

JUST IN: Just spoke to Mayor Bill Peduto, who confirms Pgh Police are preparing for possible protests. Peduto says the commander’s email asking for detectives to bring uniforms & riot gear starting tomorrow, is just precautionary #WTAE

— Marcie Cipriani (@MCipriani_WTAE) April 18, 2018