Starbucks closes some New York stores out of concern about possible protests

As a tense nation braced for possible violence in the wake of the U.S. Capitol riot, Starbucks closed some New York City stores out of concern about potential protests.

"Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping partner (employee) and customer safety top of mind, local leaders have made the decision to close select stores in the Manhattan area due to potential protests happening today,'' the company said in a statement Sunday. "We will resume operations tomorrow."

National Guard troops have been dispatched to Washington D.C. and state capitals from Sacramento, California to Albany, New York to deal with possible violence in the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Law enforcement has said protests were being planned across the U.S. by supporters of President Donald Trump, who falsely claims he was the actual winner of the presidential election.

On January 6, following a pro-Trump rally, rioters attacked and ransacked the Capitol building, leading to the deaths of five people.

But as of Sunday afternoon, pro-Trump protests appeared to be scattered, small and quiet, with only a few, sometimes armed, demonstrators appearing outside statehouses in South Carolina, Michigan and Ohio.

Contributing: Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Protests: Starbucks closes some New York stores due to safety concerns