Air Traffic Controllers Receive Threat of Plane Flying into Capitol on Wednesday

Americans of all stripes will have their eyes on the Capitol on Wednesday, and with good reason:  The certification of the electoral college’s vote count from 2020’s election will be taking place under the dome, and there are fireworks planned.

At least 12 Senators, (as well as several dozen Representatives), will be objecting to the results in a last-ditch effort to block Joe Biden’s presidency.  Vice President Mike Pence has been urged by President Trump to “reject” electors from certain states as well, but Pence has repeatedly insisted that this is not within his power.

And, while all of this drama unfolds inside the Capitol, massive pro-Trump crowds are gathering on the streets outside.

It’s a recipe for disaster in many ways, and it looks as though someone is adding a little extra seasoning to the metaphorical stew.

Multiple air traffic controllers in New York heard a chilling threat Monday in audio obtained exclusively by CBS News: “We are flying a plane into the Capitol on Wednesday. Soleimani will be avenged.”

The threat refers to Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian general killed last year in a U.S. drone strike ordered by President Trump. It was made on the one-year anniversary of Soleimani’s death, for which Iranian officials have long vowed revenge.

It’s unclear who sent the threat. While the government does not believe the warning of an attack is credible, it is being investigated as a breach of aviation frequencies, CBS News has learned.

Sources told CBS News that the Pentagon and other agencies were briefed Tuesday about the digitized voice recording. The sources said they believe the threat was designed to suggest hitting the Capitol on the same day Congress is set to count the Electoral College results.

The FBI has said that, while they are taking the threat seriously, they have no reason to believe that it is entirely credible.

Still, air traffic controllers around the nation have been asked to remain hyper vigilant throughout the day.