Federal Security Officials to downsize Fencing Boundary around US Capitol

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The US security officials have planned to downsize the fencing boundary surrounding the Capitol. The move will take place in response to guidance from the US Capitol Police. The guidance says there does not a known or credible threat exist that warrants keeping the temporary barrier in place. On Monday, the acting House sergeant-at-arms, Timothy Blodgett said in a memo to members of US Congress. He said the fencing will be scaled back in 2 phases. An inner boundary of fencing will be moved closer to the Capitol building this week. It will provide access to nearby streets and some sidewalks. Strings of razor wire atop the fence will also be removed and bike racks will be placed strategically around each of the House office buildings.

Blodgett said that an inner perimeter around the Capitol will remain in place as security repairs be made at the Capitol building. He said during the latter part of March that the outer fencing boundary will be removed and Independence Avenue and Constitution Avenue will be opened for traffic. The protection of legislators and keeping the countryside Capitol grounds open to visitors has emerged as one of the more frightening questions from 6^th January, when a mob attacked the Capitol in a deadly insurrection. The former US President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives for inciting the mob and acquitted by the Senate. 5 people died after protesters stormed the building trying to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s election.

The legislators from both parties have decried the fencing as unsightly and beyond what is necessary, but security fears remain high. Thousands of National Guard troops also remain in place protecting the Capitol. But, Blodgett said the National Guard will start to reduce its posture at the Capitol in the coming weeks. Legislators have described their unease at arriving for work each day in a war-like zone. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “You have to make sure you’re safe enough so those who are motivated by those misrepresentations do not think that they have an open season at the United States Capitol. I myself have been one to say, let’s see what we can do with a minimum of fencing, but again, this is a security decision”.