In the days leading up to January 6th, the Secret Service noticed a number of troubling developments. The Presidential Protection Division was monitoring a “possible ellipse event” as early as December 31st, telling staff that “much of the event is in flux and nothing has been approved by the White House.” As a protest against the certification of election results gained traction on social media, the Secret Service took note of approximately 59 groups that could be involved in the demonstrations. Some of these groups had participated in a pro-Trump demonstration in November in Washington, DC that resulted in 21 arrests for assault, assault on a police officer, possession of a weapon, disorderly conduct and inciting violence. The Metropolitan Police Department also recovered seven firearms at that demonstration. One event the Secret Service took special note of amongst the deluge was a proposed movement to occupy Capitol Hill. In the January 4th briefing, the agency highlighted a tweet advertising “Operation Occupy the Capitol: Taking Back our Country from Corrupt Politicians.” The agency noted that “Individuals who cannot come to Washington, DC, are encouraged to occupy their local capitols [sic].” At least 1,200 people had liked a tweet promoting the event. On January 5, Secret Service staff was warned that the Million MAGA March’s website increased from 1,522 individuals planning to attend to 30,894 planning to attend.