Police announced on Wednesday that they have completed the removal of fencing around the outer perimeter of the Capitol, but the building itself remains protected by fencing.
“All of the fencing that surrounded the outer perimeter of the U.S. Capitol complex has been removed,” a Capitol Police spokesperson said. “Affected roads have reopened. The USCP is ready to quickly ramp up security at a moment’s notice, if needed.”
The Capitol and its surrounding streets have been ensconced in 8-foot fencing since the days following Jan. 6, when throngs of violent protesters supporting then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. Police earlier this month began removing the barbed wire atop the fence and then began taking down the outer perimeter fencing.
SOME FENCING AROUND THE CAPITOL WILL BE REDUCED
House and Senate lawmakers have grown increasingly opposed to the fencing, which prohibits all but staff and lawmakers from accessing the Capitol. Tours have not resumed.
The city remains occupied by thousands of National Guard troops.
Democratic leaders who run both the House and the Senate are working to implement new security measures, including retractable fencing, hundreds of new Capitol Police officers, and new police equipment aimed at combating the kind of attack that overwhelmed police on Jan. 6.
Until then, troops and fencing will remain around the building.
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“The inner perimeter fence around the Capitol building is still in place while the department works with our congressional stakeholders and law enforcement partners to strengthen our security posture,” a police spokesperson said.
