WATCH: Santa Cruz mayor, police chief warn against violence in coming days

Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers and Police Chief Andy Mills released a video Wednesday urging residents to speak out “peacefully” as law enforcement around the country braces for possible violence in the week leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Last week, pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Building in a now-infamous move that resulted in the deaths of five people and the second impeachment of President Donald Trump.

With brewing tensions around the country, law enforcement agencies in Sacramento also heightened security at the California Capitol to protect against violence. At the U.S. Capitol, where President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 20, hundreds of armed National Guard troops joined police behind new 8-foot fencing and checkpoints walling off the grounds. So many Guard members were dispatched to Washington, and so quickly, they were left to sleep on the domed building’s marble floors, a scene reminiscent of the Civil War.

“Santa Cruz is a passionate city with a deep history of speaking our minds,” said Meyers in a video message to residents. “Let’s continue to speak out and do so in a peaceful manner that honors the sacrifices of those who came before us and teach the young who watch us intently.”

“We cannot and will not tolerate an insurrection of violence,” Mills said.

Watch the full video below: