President-Elect Trump Will Be Ready And Waiting With A Surprise For Protesters This Weekend

Police in Washington, D.C., have set up mobile booking stations to handle anticipated mass arrests on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.

President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration has been mired in controversy, with many artists and celebrities refusing to perform or attend. Artists who agreed to perform faced backlash online.

Singers Rebecca Ferguson and Charlotte Church, along with DJ Moby, all publicly rejected invitations to perform. Other artists, including Broadway singer Jennifer Holliday and Bruce Springsteen cover band, The B Street Band, agreed but later pulled out.

Country singers Toby Keith and Lee Greenwood, rock groups 3 Doors Down and The Piano Guys, DJ RaviDrum and The Frontmen of Country featuring Tim Rushlow, Larry Stewart and Richie McDonald have all been announced as performers by the Inaugural Committee.

Keith’s publicist, Elaine Schock issued a statement on his behalf, defending his decision. “I don’t apologize for performing for our country or military,” it said, noting the artist’s previous performances for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as the USO.

Actor Jon Voight, Angelina Jolie’s father, will be attending but not performing, according to USA Today.

At the swearing-in, Jackie Evancho, 16, will be singing the national anthem. Evancho placed second on the talent show, “America’s Got Talent” in 2010.

Although the swearing-in ceremony usually features the reading of a poem, no poem is listed on the official program.

Trump will only be attending two events after the inauguration ceremony, Liberty and Freedom: The Official Presidential Inaugural Balls and the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball.

It comes as no surprise local law enforcement are expecting large number of protests on the day of Trump’s swearing-in. TMZ reports that police working the inauguration were trained to handle mass arrests and chaos, as well as to allow peaceful demonstrations.

As a further measure, booking stations will be set up around the District of Columbia. The booking stations will allow members of law enforcement to book, issue citations and release demonstrators they detain. If a protestor commits assault, battery or worse, they will be taken to jail. Some worry lockup facilities will become overwhelmed with detainees.

The National Guard is expected to deploy 5,000 troops, and 3,000 police officers will be on hand.

Sources: TMZ, USA Today / Photo credit: Brian Stansberry/Wikimedia Commons