Mayor Jerry Dyer file photo

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to encourage the local community to remain civil and peaceful during the inauguration of President Joe Biden today.

The mayor’s call for peace during the nation’s presidential transition of power comes on the heels of the storming of the Washington D.C. Capitol grounds earlier this month.

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, Fresno City Council members Esmeralda Soria, Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez, and several local faith leaders joined the mayor.

“These are unprecedented times in our nation, as evidenced by what occurred on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol — something that I thought I would never see in my lifetime,” Dyer said. “Today I am calling for unity in our community, for people to come together under one Fresno.”

Dyer mentioned the recent political and social events of the nation, including issues of race and political strife, to show the great division in the country.

Balderrama said that even though there were no expectations of trouble or threats of violence, there would be an increased security presence in the downtown area and some road closures

The Fresno Police Department has a detailed plan of action should any events occur on Inauguration Day, and Balderrama said the department has been in contact with the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies across the country.

“Our plan is to have a solid plan and prepare in case something does occur. I really hope for the City of Fresno and the rest of the country that we just have a peaceful transition of power,” the new police chief said.

Local faith leaders including Ryan McNeil of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Pastor Elias Loera of Family Christian Assembly in Fresno also called for peace on Inauguration Day.