The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has instructed detectives to begin wearing a full uniform and carrying riot gear with them in anticipation of massive protests if President Trump fires Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The email announcement, which was confirmed by Pittsburgh's WTAE-TV, warns that "we have received information of a potential large scale protest in the Central Business District" that would be "semi-spontaneous and more than likely happen on short notice." Beginning Thursday, "all Major Crimes detectives are required to bring a full uniform and any issued protective equipment (riot gear) with them to work until further notice," the email adds.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (D) confirmed to WTAE-TV's Marcie Cipriano that the instructions are real, although "just precautionary."
There has long been speculation that Trump will fire Mueller. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he would not allow a vote on bipartisan legislation that would protect Mueller from being fired, which New York magazine claims effectively gives the president a "green light" to dismiss the special counsel.