Pittsburgh's police department is preparing for riots if Trump fires Mueller

Police officer in riot gear. — (Image credit: iStock)

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.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.