Federal Prisons On Lockdown Because Of ‘Current Events’

The federal prison complex in Terre Haute, Ind., is pictured in August 2020. All federal prisons in the United States have been placed on lockdown. Law enforcement agencies are taking measures in the aftermath of Jan. 6 insurrection and over concerns of more violence.

Michael Conroy / AP

Authorities are locking down all federal prisons as the country braces for potential violence leading into Wednesday’s swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden.

The lockdown was announced early Saturday morning. A statement from the Bureau of Prisons does not specify the length of the lockdown but says the agency was securing all of its facilities as a precautionary measure brought on by “current events occurring around the country.”

“In securing the facilities, the hope is that this prudent measure is for a short period and that operations will be restored to their prior status as soon as practical,” the agency said. “We will continue to monitor events carefully and will adjust operations accordingly as the situation continues to evolve.”