Interim chief Yogananda Pittman proposed permanent fences in a statement provided to reporters on Thursday, but Mayor Muriel Bowser quickly rejected the idea and said the city would not “accept extra troops or permanent fences as a long-term device in DC” .
The proposed permanent fence comes weeks after a pro-Trump crowd attacked the Capitol, leaving 5 people dead and extensive property damage.
“In light of recent events, I can say unequivocally that major improvements to physical security infrastructure must be made to include permanent fences and the availability of ready support forces near the Capitol,” said Pittman.
She continued, “I look forward to working with Congress to identify the security improvements necessary to ensure the security of Congress and the US Capitol.”
Bowser acknowledged the need for extra security for upcoming events, but made it clear that she did not want these improved measures to be permanent.
“Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events that will require extra security. Fencing and the presence of troops will be part of that, ”tweeted Bowser. “But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fences as a long-term device in DC. When the time comes, the fences around the White House and the US Capitol, as well as the plywood we saw in our business for a long time , will be withdrawn. “
Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a freshman from Massachusetts, tweeted that it would be a “mistake to turn our democracy’s home into a fortress. The Capitol needs to be safely opened to constituents, the press and visitors.”
Representative Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican, also spoke out against the idea on Twitter. “This is the People’s House. I strongly oppose it. There was no threat briefing given to members of Congress to justify this proposal,” she tweeted.
The California Democrat met with retired Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, who is conducting a Capitol security review on Thursday, but provided little detail.
“I was pleased to be informed of the General’s initial assessment, which covered operational readiness, inter-agency cooperation, security infrastructure and the morale and readiness of institutional staff. How do we consider the need for a supplementary financing account for emergency to meet institutional security needs, I wish to thank the General for reviewing what is necessary for the Capitol Police to do its job, “said Pelosi in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
When asked whether the fence around the Capitol should remain permanently suspended, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer told reporters, “I would tend to tell experts what the safest way to be is. We’ll see, I don’t know.”
The New York Democrat added, “There must be security and a right of access to the building.”
This story has been updated with additional reports.
Ali Zaslav of CNN contributed to this report.