Metro

Federal prisons locked down ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration

Federal prisons were locked down Saturday to prevent possible violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, officials said, 

The directive went into effect at midnight, after inmates were in their cells, at the Bureau of Prisons’ 120 facilities across the country, officials said.

“In light of current events occurring around the country, and out of an abundance of caution, the decision has been made to secure all institutions,” the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement.

Inmates will be kept in their cells most of the day and visitation has been canceled. 

In addition to concerns of violence, the BOP implemented the lockdown measures as it prepares to send some of its Special Operations units to Washington to help with security during Wednesday’s Inauguration.

The Special Operations units are responsible for responding to melees inside prisons, and the facilities are more vulnerable without them.