The US Capitol Police chief suggested that “permanent fences” be installed around the Capitol building on Thursday, to better protect Congressional lawmakers from another attack such as the January 6 rape.
Yogananda Pittman, who took command of the Capitol Police after Steven Sund resigned after criticism for his poorly prepared security measures, said in a statement that one of his first acts was to order an assessment of the Capitol’s physical security.
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“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.
But DC Mayor Muriel Bowser rejected calls for additional security, comparing Capitol defenses to wooden planks that were erected to protect businesses from protesters on the streets.
“Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events that will require extra security,” said Bowser on Twitter on Thursday. “But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fences as a long-term device in DC.”
“When the time is right, the fences around the White House and the United States Capitol, as well as the plywood we’ve seen in our business for a long time, will be removed,” added the mayor.
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Pittman said his recommendation is in line with what security experts have been arguing since before September 11, 2001. He added that “a 2006 security assessment specifically recommended the installation of a permanent perimeter fence around the Capitol” .
The fence remained in parts around the Capitol after stricter security measures for President Biden’s inauguration.
The detachment of 7,000 National Guardsmen in Washington, DC has been extended to the end of March due to concerns about further civil unrest, while the Senate is preparing to launch impeachment hearings for former President Trump the week of February 8.
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The hearings will review Trump’s involvement in the perpetuation of the attack on the Capitol building by hundreds of pro-Trump supporters, which left five dead, including a police officer.
Two other Capitol police officers took their lives after the attack.