WASHINGTON — D.C.’s Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser said Thursday that the nation’s Capitol would require even more ramped up security measures. The announcement comes as The White House and United States Capitol have already been fenced off following the January 6th riot — National Guard troops also remain in the area.
“Based on our conversations with our federal partners, there are still some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security,” Bowser said in a statement. “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 the District.”
“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. We look forward to working with Congresswoman Norton on not only ensuring continued public access to the Capitol, but also preventing any proposed security installations from intruding into our local neighborhoods.”
The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is scheduled to begin on February 9th.
Just yesterday, Bower encouraged boarded-up businesses to re-open, writing on Twitter, “DC, let go of your boards. If you know a business that still has boards up, please remind them to pull them down. #DCisOpen.”
DC, let go of your boards. If you know a business that still has boards up, please remind them to pull them down.#DCisOpen pic.twitter.com/qbTh522rvI
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 27, 2021
There has been no reported security issues at the Capitol following the events of January 6th.
Earlier Thursday, Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman called for permanent fencing at the Capitol.
NEW #CapitolRiot news: Acting @CapitolPolice Chief Yogananda Pittman is now calling for *permanent fencing* around the Capitol Building. pic.twitter.com/yPEjap3nmG
— Jordan Fischer (@JordanOnRecord) January 28, 2021
