Raimondo: RI preparing for potential violence surrounding election

The Rhode Island State House. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

WPRO News 

Governor Gina Raimondo said that she is concerned about the potential for violence in the days leading up to the November third Presidential election.

“I am, we’re preparing for it,” Raimondo said Thursday in her second coronavirus briefing of the week.

“We are preparing for it. I hope it doesn’t happen. I hope there’s a smooth election. Everybody should vote. But, we are putting security contingency plans into place because I think it’s a possibility,” the Democrat said.

Responding to reporters’ questions, Raimondo was asked whether she was concerned with her own security in light of charges against 14 people in an alleged plot to kidnap and kill Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“So, I’m not going to talk about my own personal security except to say I have a detail, top notch, I feel very secure and I feel very safe in the hands of the state police,” Raimondo said.

“I did call Governor Whitmer, she’s a friend I think she’s a terrific governor. I talked to her a couple of times. You know, she’s a strong woman. She has good security but I think she feels as I do that there’s no place for violence, there’s no place for threats.”

“You can disagree with her. People here have questioned my authority to use our state-at-home order. It’s fine to disagree.”

“By the way, you’re seeing an increase in violence across the country,” Raimondo said.

 

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