Richmond police are investigating flyers that urge residents to “arm yourselves” against federal immigration agents.
The big picture: Those same posters have prompted Gov. Youngkin to vow to prosecute anyone who threatens law enforcement “to the fullest extent possible.”
The latest: Richmond police don’t know who put them up or why yet, RPD spokesperson James Mercante tells Axios.
- But Mercante confirmed that officers have spotted “several” around the Fourth Precinct, which includes parts of Northside, Museum District and Scott’s Addition.
- RPD hasn’t received direct threats against local officers, Mercante noted.
Context: A photo of the flyer first began circulating online last week, but the post drew wider attention after a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas on Wednesday.
- Youngkin commented on the flyer in an X post the same day as the shooting, which killed one detained immigrant and injured two others.
- He accused the flyer, which declares “the time for nonviolent action is over,” of encouraging the same type of violence seen in Texas.
- He also said federal and state law enforcement are investigating the matter.
What they’re saying: “Make no mistake,” wrote Youngkin. “If you threaten law enforcement in Virginia with violence we will find you and prosecute you.”…