Scott AFB warns of ‘Day of Rage’ at St. Louis Arch, tells airmen to stay away

Scott Air Force Base, through its Facebook page, is warning airmen and their families to stay away from the St. Louis Gateway Arch on Friday evening because of the potential for a violent protest in connection with recent police shootings nationwide.

“Recent, highly-publicized police shootings have resulted in numerous protests across the United States. There is a possible “Day of Rage,” according to the message. “Protest scheduled for Friday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Arch. Recommend all SAFB personnel to avoid the Arch during this time due to potential protests and criminal activity. Please be safe and avoid this area during that time.”

The Department of Defense on Thursday issued a similar warning to its personnel to steer clear of Friday’s demonstration outside the White House protesting the recent spate of fatal police shootings across the country.

A group claiming to be Anonymous is billing the DC demonstration as being part of a “collective day of rage” and “day of solidarity,” with protests taking place in St. Louis and 35 other major cities across the country on Friday night, including one in Manhattan’s Times Square.

“Please be advised the [US Northern Command] has issued a threat advisory informing DOD personnel that a series of protests has been scheduled to be conducted across the United States on July 15, 2016,” reads an advisory issued by the U.S. Army in response to a threatening video posted Wednesday by Anonymous.

But the rumor-busting website Snopes.com has reported that Anonymous’ plans for a “Day of Rage” on Friday are identical to false rumors spread in 2014.

The St. Louis police issued a statement late Friday morning in which a spokeswoman noted the department is aware of a “Day of Rage” event held each year in most major American cities.

“The event was held last year in St. Louis and a small number of individuals attended, with no issues or arrests made,” wrote spokeswoman Leah Freeman. “As always, the department is prepared to respond to any possible unrest that may arise. The website Zero Hedge, for instance, is warning people to stay away from the sites where protests are planned.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Scott AFB warns of ‘Day of Rage’ at St. Louis Arch, tells airmen to stay away."