FBI El Paso and USAO warn of possible violence following Roe v. Wade decision

EL PASO, Texas -- FBI El Paso and the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Western District of Texas addressed the potential for protest violence following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in a statement Friday.

“The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities while respecting individuals' First Amendment rights,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “Our focus remains on protecting peaceful protestors from those threatening their safety with violence. FBI personnel are assessing intelligence to detect potential threats of violence and are in constant communication with our partners."

He added that they're "ask[ing] members of the public to maintain awareness of their surroundings and immediately report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

FBI El Paso and the USAO for the Western District of Texas say they are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of every American to express their views peacefully. They also stressed their responsibility to public safety, adding that any form of violence or destruction will not be tolerated.

A protest will take place at the San Jacinto Plaza at 7 p.m. Friday, according to police.

Stay tuned to ABC-7 for updates.