Forwarding this information for your awareness:

Subject: SECURE: CFC + BRIC (U//FOUO) Joint Situational Awareness Bulletin - Release of Memphis Police Video May Result in Civil Unrest  - Open - Non-Urgent

Bulletin Type: Joint Situational Awareness Bulletin

Status:  Open

Narrative:  

JOINT SITUATIONAL AWARENESS BULLETIN

(U//FOUO) Please find the attached Joint Situational Awareness Bulletin created by and distributed on behalf of the Commonwealth Fusion Center / Boston Regional Intelligence Center.

(U//FOUO) The Commonwealth Fusion Center (CFC) and the Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) assess that there is an increased potential for civil unrest during the coming weeks due to the high-profile, in-custody death of Tyre Nichols, which resulted in the termination of five Memphis Police Department officers and two Memphis Fire Department personnel. According to open sources, video of the incident could be released publicly as early as Friday, 27 January 2023.

(U//FOUO) The CFC and BRIC do not have any information indicating any specific or credible threat to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, however, we assess that there is the potential for public gatherings and civil unrest following the release of the video. The release of the video will likely result in First Amendment protected behavior related to enhancing police transparency, accountability, and use of force. We do not have any specific information to indicate that these events will be planned to include criminal or disruptive activity at this time. However, we remain concerned that some groups and individuals participating in the events will come prepared to engage in violence and destructive behavior, possibly targeting law enforcement officers, government facilities, and / or private businesses. During periods of similar unrest in the past, we have also observed increased levels of violence, threats, and suspicious activities targeting law enforcement officers.

(U//FOUO) Due to the current socio-political and threat environment, law enforcement and public safety agencies are encouraged to remain vigilant. The CFC and BRIC are providing this information for situational awareness purposes only. Please report any suspicious activity to your police department and/or Fusion Center of jurisdiction.

Massachusetts State Police
Commonwealth Fusion Center
fusion@state.ma.us
508-820-2233 (phone)
508-988-7121 (fax)

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:  The information contained in this email and any attachment is privileged and confidential law enforcement information. It may be distributed to state, tribal, or local government law enforcement officials with a need-to-know. Further distribution without CFC authorization is prohibited. Precautions should be taken to ensure this information is stored and/or destroyed in a manner that precludes unauthorized access.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this email in error, please call 508-820-2233 immediately.  Thank you.

Thank you,