KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 19, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy-area law enforcement agencies will not tolerate any criminal acts tomorrow in opposition of Inauguration Day. Although they support citizens peacefully exercising their first amendment rights, they are taking a united stand to show they are prepared.
Sheriff Fagan held a joint press conference with Fort Bend County law enforcement agencies.
“We stand together for lawful citizens,” says Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan. Representatives of all Fort Bend agencies including Precinct 3 and the Katy Police Department, gathered yesterday in a press conference to show their preparedness and unity.
Fort Bend County Sheriff staff will all be out in uniform this Wednesday. All days off have been canceled as many agencies across the area take precautions since the insurrection at the Capitol.
“The world was shocked weeks ago by the images of riots storming our Capitol,” says Sheriff Fagan. “Throughout the encounter, police officers were injured, mocked, ridiculed, and threatened ultimately leading to the death of one of our fellow law enforcement brothers.”
No Substantial Threats to Katy
While Washington D.C. is on lockdown ahead of tomorrow’s Inauguration Day, it is unlikely that the Katy-area will see any cause for concern. Sheriff Fagan stressed that there are no substantial threats but that they are continuing to monitor and be vigilant.
“There is no intelligence or anything indicating we should expect violence or protests here,” says Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell.
Sheriff Fagan says that the insurrection proved that our police were not prepared for such an event. He stated that he was not criticizing those in charge but that law enforcement agencies need to be prepared.
“We all stand united as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris,” says Sheriff Fagan. “We pray for no unrest, but we want to be prepared for whatever arises.”
Harris County is Ready to Respond
While Harris County has also not received any threats they are ready to respond if needed.
"Precinct 5 has been monitoring and will continue to closely monitor all federal, state and local law enforcement directives leading up to, and throughout, Wednesday’s events in Washington D.C.," says Robert Henslee with Harris County Constable Ted Heap's Office, Precinct 5. " As always, we are prepared to respond appropriately if the need arises."
The Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden is expected to start around 11 a.m. EST tomorrow, January 20. The event will be historically different due to the increased security in Washington, D.C. and the Capitol building, as well as pandemic concerns and safety protocols.