Remaining Capitol fencing to be removed
WASHINGTON — The remaining fencing that has surrounded the U.S. Capitol since a mob of pro-Trump rioters stormed the building in January is likely to come down as soon as next week, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.
Capitol Police removed an outer fence in March that had cut off a wide swath of the area to cars and pedestrians, blocking major traffic arteries that cross the city. An interior perimeter fence has remained around the Capitol, with signs warning that the area is closed to the public.
A plan being put in place by the U.S. Capitol Police Board calls for the fence to be removed by July 9, people with knowledge of the plan said. They could not discuss details of the plan publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. The Capitol Police Board, which has oversight of the police force, is made up of the sergeants at arms of the House and Senate and the Architect of the Capitol.
The fencing has been a stark symbol of the fear many in the Capitol felt after the mob pushed its way past overwhelmed police officers, broke through windows and doors and ransacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, interrupting Congress’ vote to certify Joe Biden’s electoral win.
“We cannot talk about security, which includes any potential physical security infrastructure plans,” a Capitol Police spokesman said.
