Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser blasted a U.S. Capitol Police plan to install permanent security fencing surrounding the Capitol.
“Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security,” Bowser tweeted Thursday. “Fencing and the presence of troops will be a part of that. But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC.”
In subsequent tweet, the Democrat stated, “When the time is right, the fencing around the White House and U.S. Capitol, just like the plywood we’ve seen on our businesses for too long, will be taken down.”
Bowser noted in a final tweet that she looks forward to working with Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington’s non-voting delegate in the House, on the issue to ensure continued public access to the Capitol. The mayor said she wants to prevent “any proposed security installations from intruding into our local neighborhoods.”
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announced a day after the Jan. 6 siege of Congress, during which five people died and dozens more were injured, that 7-foot, “nonscalable” fencing was being erected around the U.S. Capitol for at least 30 days. Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said Thursday that security was insufficient around the Capitol and fencing needed to be installed permanently. “Back-up forces” must also be readily available, Pittman said.
Pittman’s recommendation for permanent fencing follows a security assessment by the Capitol Police, which was overwhelmed by the protesters on Jan. 6 and, at some entryways, simply allowed them to stream into the building.
There are other reviews underway, including one ordered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. Pelosi has appointed retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore to conduct a security assessment. In addition, the Capitol Police inspector general is reviewing the Jan. 6 attack and the response by the police.
Republicans voiced opposition to the proposal of a permanent fence around Capitol complex.
“Pelosi makes every decision without minority input on security and complex. Before and after Jan. 6. Looks like she needs to speak with Mayor Bowser after this tweet,” House Administration Committee ranking member Rodney Davis told the Washington Examiner.
New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik also criticized the USCP’s plan for a permanent fence. “This is the People’s House. I am adamantly opposed. There has been no threat briefing given to Members of Congress to justify this proposal,” she said in a tweet.
