Pittsburgh police preparing for protest if president fires Robert Mueller

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police officers are preparing for a potential protest in the city in the event that President Trump fires special counsel Robert Mueller.

“We have received information of a potential large scale protest in the Central Business District,” an email sent to all Pittsburgh officers Wednesday said.

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Mayor Bill Peduto told Channel 11 that both officers in uniform and plainclothes officers were told to prepare.

"We are treading into areas of American history that we haven't faced before," Peduto said.

If Mueller is fired, it could result in “a large protest within 24 hours of the firing,” the email said. “The protest would be semi-spontaneous and more than likely happen on short notice.”

Beginning Thursday, all Major Crimes detectives will be required to have a full uniform and any issued protective equipment, such as riot gear, until further notice, the internal memo said.

According to Peduto, the emails went out after Pittsburgh Public Safety got word of possible rapid response protests in Pittsburgh and nationwide, should President Trump fire special prosecutor Robert Mueller.

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Channel 11 saw a large police presence at headquarters Wednesday; it's unclear if that was connected to any planned protest.

"Commanders and command staff are being precautionary," Peduto said. "It's not an order to wear gear, but we are saying we are facing a possible constitutional crisis this week and just making sure our officers are safe."

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A bipartisan effort to protect Mueller’s job has been thwarted by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

According to The Associated Press, McConnell said Tuesday that the bill is unnecessary because Trump will not fire Mueller.

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