Jul 7, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Remaining fence around U.S. Capitol to be removed

Oriana González

Picture of the U.S. Capitol building — Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The U.S. Capitol Police Board on Wednesday notified Congress members and staff that the remaining fence around the Capitol will be removed as early as Friday.

The big picture: The fence had been put in place following the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building. Capitol Police removed an outer fence in March, but the interior one remained with signs that said the area was closed to the public, per AP.

What they're saying: "Based on USCP’s assessment of the current threat environment; recent enhancements to USCP response capabilities; and enhanced coordination with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, the Capitol Police Board supports the USCP’s recommendation to remove the temporary fencing around Capitol Square," Karen H. Gibson, the Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate, said in an email, obtained by Axios.

"Removal is expected to begin as early as Friday, July 9, and conclude within two to three days, weather permitting," she added.
"USCP will continue to monitor intelligence information and the associated threat environment ... Additionally, though the temporary fencing will be removed, building access restrictions implemented in response to COVID-19 remain in place and will be enforced."

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Remaining fence around U.S. Capitol to be removed

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