Trump Supporters Use Old-Fashioned Walkie-Talkies After SNS Blocked

FCC Warns Against Crimes Using Radios
Correctional Authorities Block External Prison Contacts
US Officials Seek Riot Prevention Measures Ahead of Biden Inauguration
Trump Supporters Gather in State Capitals

The California National Guard is guarding in front of the state capitol.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Concerns are growing that supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump are attempting to regroup through radio waves after their social media service (SNS) accounts were blocked. They are showing signs of gathering not only in Washington DC but also in the capitals of all 50 U.S. states, causing authorities to be on high alert.

According to U.S. media, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a statement on the 17th (local time) warning against using amateur radio (HAM) and private radio waves to commit or incite criminal acts ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

This measure follows reports that Trump supporters, whose SNS accounts were blocked ahead of Biden’s inauguration, are using radio networks.

The FCC, while acknowledging the right to freedom of expression through radio waves under the First Amendment, firmly stated that "it cannot be used to commit or incite crimes." The FCC also warned that violations could result in fines, seizure of radio communication equipment, and prosecution. The National HAM Radio Association also condemned the use of amateur radio communications for purposes other than goodwill.

The reason Trump supporters are using old-fashioned communication networks is interpreted as due to the blocking of their internet-based communication. Ahead of Biden’s inauguration, Twitter and Facebook blocked not only President Trump’s accounts but also those of radical supporters, fearing a recurrence of the Capitol riot. The app Parler, which they frequently used, was either deleted or had its service suspended by Google, Apple, and Amazon.

U.S. authorities are implementing various measures to prevent possible riots or incidents. The U.S. correctional authorities announced on the same day that federal prisons nationwide would be cut off from the outside. The authorities stated in a release, "This decision was made considering the nationwide situation."

The authorities emphasized that this is a precautionary measure rather than a response to specific signs. They also promised to lift the measure as the situation progresses. These responses by the FCC and correctional authorities are seen as reflecting the growing concerns within the U.S. ahead of the inauguration. U.S. media reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing warnings about the possibility of large-scale riots before the inauguration and is implementing all possible countermeasures. Even in Washington DC, which resembles a quasi-war state, the tension remains high.

That morning, a man displaying a firearm was arrested at a security checkpoint near the Capitol. Police reported that he was not authorized to carry a firearm in Washington DC. The previous morning, a woman impersonating a law enforcement officer was arrested at a security checkpoint near the Capitol.

There are also reports that Trump supporters are gathering in state capitals. According to The New York Times, small armed groups are assembling in the capitals of Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Michigan, increasing tensions. There are concerns about clashes between anti-Trump and pro-Trump factions. The New York Times reported that 19 states have deployed the National Guard to state legislative buildings, and some states have temporarily closed their capitol buildings.